
pj?ksenth:d by 
/ 
T. FKATHERSTONHAUGH 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS/^^"^ 



BY 



EOBEET BLAOIvWELL, 



ON SOME OF THE 



Soulhefn States, Confederate Eeoefals, 



AND 



Various other Persons and Things. 



ILL USTBA TED. 



■B ALTIMiOIiE : 

PRINTED BY JAMES YOUNG, 

114 West. Baltimore street. 

187a. 






Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 
eighteen hundred and seventy-three, by Robt. Black- 
well, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at 
Washington. 



f 




ORIGipL ACROSTICS, 



ACEOSTIC. 
Read all witKin before yoii venture 
One single terse of mine to censure, 
Because, sometimes, there exist unseen 
Etherial beauties all veiled in green ; 
Rubies also, and diamonds are found, 
The best and brightest beneath the ground. 

But critics who read my book and bawl, 
Loudly condemning my writings all, 
And boast of learning, I think they might 
Contrive some plan to reflect the light 
Kept pent in them so long aglow, 
While I myself but little know. 
Each one should write a book and try 
Learned men to please ; by soaring high, 
Leave works behind never to die. 



myocATioisr. 

My little book adrift I send. 
And ask the South to be my friend ; 
On her for aid I now depend. 
And will until my life shall end. 



KOBEKT BLACKWELl's 



ACKOSTIC. 

[the author.] 
Khyming is now my occupation. 
Oft times I write on subjects new, 
By this I rise to observation, 
Expecting pay for what I do ; 
Regarding men of higher station. 
They read my book, and pay me, too. 

Burlesque me not, ye wise and knowing, 
Let me but work and make my rhymes. 
All I would ask is half a showing, 
Come, gentlemen, hand o'er your dimes ; 
Keep them no more in pockets tight. 
When people work they want their pay. 
Encourage worth with talents bright — 
Little critics, now clear the way, 
Learn first to spell before you write. 



THE &OUTH. 



In her are those from vices free, 
And all her scenes are dear to me ; 
I use to live in Tennessee, 
And sing her praise with perfect glee. 

Her sons they have but errors few. 
They love the gray and hate the blue ; 
Her clime is mild, her sons are true, 
Her daughters learned, and handsome too. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. * 

ACROSTIC. 

{Composed 1864.) 

Generous and noble man, with an iron heart 

and true, 
Ever fighting for our cause, with victory full 

in view ; 
No Yankee can deter him, for while our lips 

are speaking. 
Even now his sword so keen, with vandals' 

blood is reeking, 
Raised high up to defend us, Abe Lincoln's 

clan defying, 
Alarming all the Yankees, from him behold 

them flying. 
Leaving their comrades and their friends all 

gory, faint and dying. 

Renowned for skill in warring, for him our 
soldiers fight. 

Each ready, when he gives command, to put 
our foes to flight. 

Long has he fought, and bravely, too, to keep 

our country free ; 
Exploring regions far and near, the name of 

General Lee, 
Endeared to each Southern heart, will live 

while ages flee. 



ACROSTIC. 

Like angels of mercy, God sent them to clieer us 
As traveling o'er earth, for when they are 

near us 
Depression grows lighter while enchanted we 

view 
In each of those ladies, patriotic and true, 
Every grace and charm, which makes them 

appear 
Shining stars of perfection, angelic and dear. 

Our interest consulting, they showed their desire 
For the triumph of right when the first gun 
did fire, 

To put down oppression, loud ringing like 

thunder. 
Hot balls, well aimed, rent Sumter asunder, 
Enrapturing the South, making Yankees to 

wonder — 

So see them still feeding maimed soldiers each 

day. 
Opposing all tyrants, for our interests they pray. 
Using money so freely to aid and to cheer us. 
They study our good — all ye mortals now 

hear us. 
How happy we feel when those ladies are near us. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS, 

ACKOSTIC. 

Truly kind, 
Hence we find 
Each of them 

Like the moon 
And stars at night 
Directing ns 
Into the right ; 
Each of them 
Shining bright ; 

Oifending none, 
Firm and true, 

Conversing free, 
As ladies do ; 
Ne'er disposed 
To act amiss ; 
Our good they seek, 
E"o other bliss. 



ACKOSTIC. 



May Heaven inspire me now with rhyme, 
A power to write some pleasing line ; 
Rich in love, and rich in grace. 
Your beauty and many charms to trace. 



■ ACKOSTIC. 
The learned and the wise, 
How I love and I prize 
Each virtue composing their worth. 

Like angels they shine, 

All lovely, divine. 

Dispelling much darkness from earth. 

In the days of their youth 

Embracing the truth. 

Soothing the high and the low. 

Observe what I say, 
Eor a moment I pray 

Just view them as onward they go, 
Adorning each street, 
Conversing so sweet, 
Kind-hearted, most noble and free. 
Sublime are their ways. 
On them when I gaze. 
No blemish nor error I see. 



Lip on lip, and eye to eye. 
Love to love, we live, we die ! 
JSTo more thou, and no more I, 
We and only We ! 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 

ACEOSTIC. 

Strive on for it, we wont submit 
To negro lovers, great or small ; 
Eepulsive, mean, 'tis plainly seen, 
If let alone they'll crush us all ; 
Keep them at bay, or soon we may 
Expect to yield to them our lands. 

For Freedom's sake we wish to take 
Our country's weal within our hands ; 
Raise then the cry, make traitors fly 

From seats of trust in every place. 
Rads on us frown — lest voted down 
Ere long we are a ruined race ; 
Each living man, with eyes to scan. 
Discerns a threat'ning cloud, ahead. 
Our foes are strong, and acting wrong 
May yet attempt on us to tread. 



What were her eyes like ? Poet say ! 

They seemed through their silken lashes. 
Like the blue of a bright Italian day. 

Or star that through darkness flashes. 

"What were her lips like? Poet say ! 

Like beautiful buds a-growing 
On one fair stem in the month of May, 

But far more perfume throwing. 



10 



EGBERT BLACKWELl's 




ACROSTIC. 
Red fire of liell — iincooling drink, 
IJnpitying foe, now stop and think, 
Make men no more to ruin sink. 




ACROSTIC. 

Blasting hopes of man and wife, 
Real source of grief and strife ; 
A curse on land, a curse on sea, 
No man of sense will drink of thee ; 
Drying all the vitals up, 
Yet fools this poison daily sup. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. H 

ACROSTIC. 

{Corrvposed 1865.) 
Just think of the woes which he undergoes, 
Each hour surrounded by the deadliest of foes, 
Full of malice ; we see they afflict him with 

glee. 
Forgetting that God his avenger will be. 
Each comfort once known from him is now 

flown — 
Eeligion is left for his solace alone ; 
So see him now slighted, whose faith was once 

plighted 
On the side of the south, in which he delighted, 
Kow dwelling in gloom, with prospects all 

blighted. 

Did justice yet reign in the Yankee's domain, 
At once would she rise and strike off his chain. 
Villains subduing, who caused all his ruin. 
Insulted, imprisoned, our friend is now view- 

Scurrilous base foes his footsteps pursumg. 



What were her teeth like ? Poet say ! 

They seemed, with lips asunder. 
Small caverns of pearl that hidden lay, 

Or just shown to excite our wonder. 



12 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 

ACKOSTIC. 
More fool than wise, more knave than saint, 
And yet he had so many charms. 
Reclining on his chair of ease. 
The people took him to their arms ; 
In all his glory they saw him rise. 
Not clothed with virtne, but with disguise. 

Yows he broke from day to day, 
And though he made a great display, 
No good of him can mortal say. 

But still from us he homage claims, 
Unmindful of his traitorous aims ; 
Eobed in the garments of a foe, 
Enticing men with him to go — 
Not to heaven, but down below. 

Eighth President of the United States. Born in New York, Decem- 
ber 5, 1782. President from 18S1 to 1841— four years. 



ACROSTIC. 
Meek, modest and kind. 
And in language refined. 
Respected by all, and especially by me 
Yet who could proclaim 
To the world all thy charms. 
Should they live while ages shall flee. 
{Of Tennessee.) 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 13 

ACKOSTIC. 
Lovely maiden, thy charms have enraptured 

my gaze, 
And thy various accomplishments challenge 

my praise. 
Unlooked for, I met thee, one cold winter's 

night ; 
Refined by all graces, like an angel of light, 
All thy songs and sweet smiles gave my heart 

true delight. 

In the days of my boyhood, an angelic form 
Stood by me and blessed me from evening till 

morn. 
And thy form and thy features, thy music and 

lore 
Beguile me, as did that bright vision of yore. 
Even now, in my fancy, thy image I see, 
Like a rainbow of glory bending o'er me. 

Bright being of beauty, I now bow at thy 

shrine, 
Reject not my suit, but be mine, only mine ; 
And strewed with sweet flowers thy pathway 

shall be. 
Gems right .from Golconda, and pearls from 

the sea. 
Glad, glad, wdll I purchase and present unto 

thee. 



14 



ROBERT BLACKWELL'S 




ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 15 

ACEOSTIC. 
{Com;posed on his retur7i home from Canada, 
Join, friends, with lis, and sing with glee 
Of one who is of high degree ; 
He has returned, so joyful be, 
Now to repeat his praises free. 

Clothed with each grace and virtue bright, 

Bow low to him, ye sons of might ; 
Eepelling gloom, when in his sight. 
Each one we seem to dwell in light. 
Could we but all his praises tell. 
Known best to those who do excel 
In all that's great, we know it well, 
None would, refuse his praise to swell. 
Kound all the earth, from zone to zone, 
In every clime. his name is known — 
Defeat can not his fame dethrone. 
Great men like him, as can be shown, 
Exist within a sphere their -own. 



What were her cheeks like ? Poet say ! 

Like the bloom the peach receiveth — 
Which the amorous sun, on a summer's day. 

Doth kiss till a blush it leaveth. 



16 




ACEOSTIC. 

While men of sense still drink of tliee, 
How can we hope much good to see ? 
It seems, indeed, most strange to me 
Such men should boast as being free ; 
Xept in chains, in fetters bound, 
Yet simple people pour thee down. 



ACEOSTIC. 

{Address to Rum, Brandy and ^Y7hishy.) 

Eivers of blood you cause to flow, 
Enslaving men where'er you go ; 
Yain are the tears of babes or wife ; 
Endless cares you bring and strife ; 
Love and hope you banish quite. 
Remorseless foes, how great your might ! 
In the strength of One more strong 
Even than the powers of wrong. 
Should we learn your sight to spurn. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 17 




ACKOSTIC. 

Callous-hearted, ruthless man, 
He devised a wicked plan, 
And took poor Lester's life away, 
Regardless of the judgment-day ; 
Let the murderer and the knave, 
Executed by the brave. 
Sleep forgot within his grave. 

Clothed with crimes of the blackest dye, 
Observe him when he comes to die. 
Supported by the sheriif's hand — 
Guilty wretch, he cannot stand, 
Keflection seems to cast him down ; 
One rAore step his limbs are bound 
Yery close, and soon he swings. 
Encountering death with all its stings. 

Who was hung at Little JRocTc^ Arkansas, 185Q, 
fo7' hilling a man for his money. 
1^ 



18 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 

ACROSTIC. 

The prettiest and the neatest, the lovliest and 

the sweetest 
Here I see ; 
Each one possessing worth, all full of life and 

mirth, 
Laughing free. 
At things that please them most, and while of 

them I boast, 
Dearest me, 
I wish the world but knew how noble, wise 

and true 
Each seems to be 
Sent as f^om the skies, to make men truly wise, 

And religious too ; 

To soothe their hearts with joy, my pen I will 
employ, 

Though my words be few ; 

How can I love them less, when tliey, indeed, 

possess 
Each virtue true ? 

Claiming as a prize, a home beyond the skies. 
Hoping for bliss. 

And bidding me to follow, though I am not 
worth one dollar. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 19 

Let me think of this ; 

Yon heaven, which they seek, was made for 

all the meek, 
Beckoning me away, 
Enchanting as they move, toward the place 

they love, 
And like a ray, 
They cheer me all the while, and when on me 

they smile, 
Enriched I seem ; 

And for each person here, we have water good 

and clear. 
Cooling to drink. 

Increasing as it flows, a balm for earthly woes ; 
Do not let it sink ; 

So long as time shall glide, and men on earth 

abide. 
Proclaim its worth ; 
Rushing from a hill, though it can not turn a 

mill. 
It cures the sick ; 
No one should doubt my word, though they 

have not of it heard ; 
Gather round it quick. 



20 KOBEKT BLACKWELl's 




ACEOSTIC. 

Sweet music round this place is ringing, 

Kinging softly — stop and hear ; 

Childs has come, just hear him singing, 
He was made our hearts to cheer ; 
It is a piano he is playing — 
Let us go and near him stand. 
Detain us not, for we must buy it. 
Since he keeps the best on hand. 



Thou art lovelier than the coming 

Of the fairest flowers of spring. 
When the wild bee wanders humming, 

Like a blessed fairy thing ; 
Thou art lovelier than the breaking 

Of the orient crimsoned morn, 
When the gentlest winds are shaking 

The dew-drops from th^ thorn. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 21 

ACKOSTIG. 

More pure than the gems of Olympian stream, 
Inclinnig to good, of beauties the Queen; 
Seductive her charms, as a poet's young 

dream, 
Supremely beloved is the maid of my theme. 

Many beauties I've seen, North, South, East 

and West. 
Acrosticised hundreds, in earnest and jest. 
Respected and loved some, flattered the rest. 
Yet she, and she only, reigns Queen of my 

breast. 

High above others her accomplishments soar ; 
An anthem of praise might be sung of her lore, 
Never written by Byron, Scott, Shakspeare, or 

Moore ; 
Nor dreamed of by poets or painters of yore ! 
And her wit sparkles bright amid pleasure's 

throng. 
Heart-thrilling her accents, as love's ardent 

song. 

Thus wisdom, and beauty, and virtue unite 
Harmonious in her, as dreams of the night. 
O, could I depict that transcendent delight 
My heart felt when first she enraptured my 

sight ! 
All trembling with transport, I gazed on her 

face. 
Seraphic she seemed, as an angel of grace. 



^2 



ACKOSTIC. 

{Composed 1860.) 
Jnst read the name of him to be 
Our President ; most wise is he, 
His cheerful face, as all agree, 
Kone but his foes dislike to see. 

Both parties can in him repose, 
Every man, including foes ; 
Law-abiding man, he shows 
Love for truth where'er he goes. 

Born near Nashville, Tennessee, 1796, and entered public life 
durius the Federal Administration of John Quiucy Adams, and in 
1860 was run by the American Party as a candidate for the Presi- 
dency. 

FABLE— THE FOX AND THE GOAT. 

A FOX having tumbled by chance into a v^ell, had been casting 
about a long while to no purpose how he should get out again, 
when, at last, a goat came to the place, and wanting a drinli, asked 
Keynard whether the water was good. " Good," says he ; " aye, 
BO sweet that I am alraid I have surfeited myself, 1 have drank so 
abundantly." The goat, upon this, without any more ado, leaped 
iu, and the fox, taking advantage of his horns, by, the assistance 
of them, as nimbly leaped out, leaving the poor goat at the bottom 
of the well to shift for himself. 

THE APPLICATION. 

The doctrine taught us by this fable is no more than this : that 
we ought to consider who it is that advises us before we follow the 
advice. For, however plausible the counsel may seem, if the 
person that gives it Is a crafty knave, we may be assured that he 
intends to serve himself in it more than us, if not to erect some- 
thing to his own advantage out of our ruin. 

The little, poor country attorney, ready to starve, and sunk to 
the lowest depths of poverty, for want of employment, by such 
arts as these, draws the squire his neighbor into the gulf of the 
law ; until, laying hold on the branches of his revenue, he lifts 
himself out of obscurity, and leaves the other immured in the 
bottom of a mortgage. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



S3 




ACROSTIC. 

The deer we see is now in danger, 
Hemmed around by deadly foes ; 
Each one to him a total stranger, 

Craves to catch him by the nose ; 
He seems to dread the thought of dying, 
As, leaping o'er those mighty logs, 
Swiftly, swiftly, now see him flying, 
Ere long to be but food for dogs. 



ACROSTIC. 

Seen through no glass, to the naked eye 
They look like gems set in the sky ; 
And yet they are but planets high ; 
Revolving round ten thousand suns, 
Swift, yet smooth as water runs. 



24 ROBERT 

ACKOSTIO. 

People of this and distant climes 
Eegarded him as one of worth ; 
Each knowing him, did him adore, 
. So long as he remained on earth. 
In learning none could him excel. 
Discussion was to him delight ; 
Exploring was his mind, but still 
Ne'er was he known to swerve from right. 
Think of the height to which he rose, 

Jeweled with fame's bright diadem ; 
Of those he was surrounded by 
He stood above the best of them. 
Now if jou wish to blot his name 

Quite from beneath the sky, 

Uplift the sea first from its bed. 

Its mighty waves defy ; 

Not only so, but make the stars 

Cease, at your word, to run. 

Yon silver moon, too, pluck it down, 

And paralyze the sun ; 
Do all which we have named above, 
And then you can, no doubt. 
Make men forget his useful life, 
Sweep, too, his memory out. 

Sixth President of the United Statcp, Born in Maspachusetts, 
July 11, 1767. President from 1825 to 1829— lour years. Died Feb- 
ruary 23, 1848. 



OKIGINAL ACROSTICS. 25 

ACEOSTIC. 
Great and noble, brave and free, 
Ever faithful, kind was he ; 
Ko one could bend his iron will, 
Earth could not his spirit quell ; 
Read his exploits o'er and o'er 
And you'll love him more and more. 
Low though he sleeps, his virtues shine. 

And will until the end of time. 

Now go with him through all life's scenes, 

Down to the battle of New Orleans ; 

Respect the course he is pursuing. 

Enter on the battle's plain. 

Witness the dying and the slain ; 

Judge from what you see him doing, 

All his efforts were not vain ; 

Cities though are saved from ruin. 

Kindled is the very air. 

See the British in despair. 

On each foe destruction hurled, 

Now his fame surrounds the world. 

Seventh President of the United States. Born in North Carolina, 
March 15. 17o7. PrcBident from 1829 to 1837— eight yeare. JDied 
June 8, 1845. 



What is it ails thee, heart of mine ? 
That makes thee sorrow and repine. 
2 



26 




ACKOSTIC. 

{CoTYvposed in 1860.) 

Surpassed by none beneath tbe sun, 

At his face we love to gaze ; 

Dull care begone, from morn to morn. 
One so wise we love to praise ; 
Untainted by corruption's dye. 
Generous man, possessing worth, 
Let every State his acts relate. 
And spread his fame, and him proclaim 
Superior to the sons of earth. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 27 

ACEOSTIC. 
Henceforth we are of him bereft, 
Of him who won a name 
No other mortal man has left 
On these low shores of fame. 
Rising from youth to fame and might, 
And with the wise and great, 
Benign he labored, day and night, 
Long grievance to abate j 
Endeared to ns and deep in thought. 

He did his wit display. 
Even those who his ruin sought 
No harm of him could say, 
Refuting every doctrine bad. 
Yet craving not a name ; 

Calm, and in his right mind clad. 
Leaped up to wealth and fame. 
At Washington he passed away, 
Yet his fame will ne'er decay. 

( Written on Ms death.) 



MORAL LESSON.— CICERO. 

The great Roman orator was one day sneered at by 
one of his opponents, a mean man of noble lineage, on 
account of his low parentage. " You are the/r«^ of your 
line," said the railer. "And you," replied Cicero, " are 
the last of yours. 



28 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 

ACROSTIC. 
Respected by 
Each mortal true, 
Yictorious on 

The right pursue ; 

Make all you can 

From sin to flee : 
In doing which 
ITow pray that we 
Not one may err ; 
Each loving worth 
Your name revere. 



ACROSTIC. 
Noted afar as the city of rocks, 
And heroes brave and ladies fair. 
She sits enthroned on her cliflf, and mocks 
Her envious rivals everywhere. 
Yiew all her noble works of art — 
Increasing. Wealth on every hand ; 
Lawyers, statesmen, schools and mart. 
Little to blame and much to praise. 
E'en here, if rich, would I spend my days. 

{Population 50,000.) 



OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 29 

ACROSTIC. 

They teach us by example bright, 
Heaven-born, religions light, 
Enables men to act upright. 

Learned and skilled in every thing. 
And when I hear them sweetly sing, 
Delight doth fill my heart ; 
I seem as in a trance to be, 
Etherial joys encompass me ; 
Soon time arrives, for home I start — 

One lovelier than the rest I see, 
From her I hate to part ; 

Still from her I'm forced to go. 
Plodding all the country o'er. 
Remembering that I am so poor 
It is not wise to tarry ; 
Now could the lady read my heart, 
Glance at it before I start. 
From her I fain would never part ; 
I think she then would marry 
Even one as poor as me. 
Loveliest thing on land or sea, 
Despise me not — farewell to thee. 

My rhyme is done, I soar, I rise, 
On wings to meet thee in the skies. 



30 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 

ACROSTIC. 

Threatened by foes on land and sea, 
Heeding not the powers that be, 
Our fathers, struggling to be free, 
Made us renowned, by giving thee 
A pen to write a Declaration, 
Scorning chains and degradation, 

Just in time to save a nation. 
Expressing worth by demonstration ; 
Flinching not, with pen in hand, 
For ns so boldly took thy stand, 
Elevated by command, 
Rolled the ink to save our land. 
So long as stars and stripes shall wave 
O'er this land of the fair and brave, 
ITations will respect thy grave. 

Third President of the United States. Born in Virginia, April 
13,1743. PrcBident Irom 1801 to 1809-eight years. Died July 4ih, 
1826. 



ACROSTIC. 



Each day, dear youth, read God's own truth. 

Do all you can to rise ; 

Desiring light pursue the right. 

In doing which 'twill make you rich, 

Eternal in the skies. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



31 




ACROSTIC. 

Hold her canvass to the breeze, 
O'er the waves she rides with ease, 
Praise to God, of our life the giver, 
Each one from harm he can deliver. 



ACEOSTIC. 

Most worthy and sweet, 
A mirror of light ; 
Glittering like diamonds, 
Glorious and bright ; 
Industrious and giving 
Each mortal delight ; 

Captivating our hearts, 

Firm, faithful each day. 

On thy name when we write, 

X stands in the way. 



32 

ACEOSTIC. 

Directed bj wisdom, 
Onward he hies, 
Co-acting with men, 
Those seeking a prize 
Of glories now shining 
Remote in the skies. 

. In all his acts 
Such grandeur we see, 
As beggars description ; 
A mortal more free 
Can never be found, 

Nor desired to be. 

Concerning his goodness, 
Of this we are sure, 
Like a Christian he tries 
Each person to cure. 

{Of Halifax county y Ya.) 



May all thy days be days of bliss, 
In this low world of care ; 
Solid and lasting peace is this 
To have of death no fear. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



33 




ACKOSTIC. 

Ever virtuous, 
Lovely, too, 
In religion foremost ; 
Zealous and true. 
Alluring to good, 
Bold to defend. 
Ever kind ; 
True to the end 
Her spirit lives, 

Defying death, 
Ever bright 
Among the saints 
Kow in light. 



Hear not danger's trampling feet, 
Feel not sorrow's wintry sleet, 
Trust that life is just and meet. 
With mine arm round thee. 



34 

ACKOSTIC. 

Gladly dost thou pursue the right, 
Each one with news supplying ; 
Of mental, moral courage bright, 
Eeflecting worth undying. 
Go on, go on, from strength to might, 
Each foe of thine defying ; 

Keeping thy friends with news on hand, 
Koble sir, most learn'd, profound. 
Although we live in a distant land. 
Papers which we received from thee 
Proclaim to all thy merits round. 



ACEOSTIO. 

Country far renowned for gold, 
And for soil, rich and new. 
Lofty hills and torrents bold. 
Immense streams, and branches, too. 
Flow through thy hills of old. 
O happy land, illustrious one, 
Eichest, brightest clime that be, 
No land, no State beneath the sun. 
In all God's wide dominion free, 
Acquires wealth so fast as thee. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 35 

ACEOSTIC. 

Meek one, most true, with eyes so blue, 
All knowing heap their praise on you ; 
Kespected by the great and high, 
Your sterling worth none can deny. 

Such beauty we did never see — 
Earth with your praise is ringing free ; 
Keflecting light your features bright 
Enchant us like the stars at night ; 
Not only so, when grown, we trow. 
All men on you will praise bestow. 

Dear girl, each day for you we pray. 
And will, while on this earth we stay; 
Most willing, too, and trust that you 
Each hour will keep the grave in view, 
Hemembering all, both great and small, 
On earth must die ; so daily *try, 
Now with the good and wise to vie. 



SYMPATHY. 



Nature has cast me in so soft a mold. 
That but to here a story feigned for pleasure. 
Of some sad lover's death, moistens my eyes. 
And robs me of my manhood. — Dryden. 



36 




CAPITAL OF THE UNITED STATES. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 37 

ACKOSTIC. 

{Composed in 1860.) 

While looking at thee such grandeur I see, 
As beggars description from a mortal like me ; 
So enchanting thy charms, and free from alarms. 
Here fain would I live secure in thine arms. 
I read of thy name as connected with fame, 
Not forgetting from whence thy Father he 

came; 
Great, glorious and free, here his image I see, 
'Tis chiseled in stone, immortal to be ; 
On his virtues to dwell makes my bosom now 

swell, 
Ne'er hoping, yet trying all his merits to tell. 

Could I live through all time on a subject 

sublime, 
It would give me true joy, methinks, could I 

rhyme ; 
Though time in its flight his image may blight, 
Yet his name it will live while the stars give 

us light. 



"When false friends pass coldly by, 
Sigh, in earnest pity sigh, 
Turning thine unclouded eye 
Up from them to me. 



38 EGBERT BLACKWELl's 



ACKOSTIO. 



Sweet is the breath of morn when we arise ; 
Unspeakably sweet to look upon 
So wondrous a work as the lucid skies ; 
And a creature formed like the bright one, 
No living man can fail to prize. 

Aurora gilds the morn with light — 

'Tis her's to drive all gloom away, 
Each one behold her charms and might, 
Eesplendent goddess of the day, 
Eound earth she drives her chariot bright. 
Yet not of her, of thee we write. 



ACEOSTIC. 



Adorned with fields of cotton white. 
Realm of wealth and realm of light, 
Keeping step with States that be 
Allied to all the brave and free. 
New, yet firm and brave she stands. 
Supporting those who till her lands ; 
And from men beyond the sea 
She buys her cofiee, spice and tea. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 39 

ACKOSTIC. 

Annie, sweet Annie, it ne'er was my lot 
'Neath the blue bending skies, in palace or cot, 
'!N"eath the tropical sun or the snow-covered 

crest, 
In the Orient East, or the beauty-famed West, 
E'er to meet, e'en in dreams, with an angelic 

face, 

Enshrined in a form that an houri would grace ; 

Combined in one being, virtue, gentleness, love, 
Kefining the circle in which she might move. 
Enhancing, exalting, enriching with good, 
Ne'er till now in such presence enrapt have I 

stood. 
Still long have I hoped such a lady to meet — 
Have fondly believed such a being I'd greet ; 
And now, having found her, I fain at thy shrine 
"Would kneel, worship, idolize, beauty like thine. 



Dream no more that grief and pain 
Could such hearts as ours enchain. 
Safe from loss and safe from gain, 
Free, as Love wakes free. 



40 




ACEOSTIC. 

Exploring all its beauties, I never can its Au- 
thor doubt, 

As fancy flies from pole to pole, and the eye 
looks round about, 

Reflecting on its wondrous size, remembering 
all I see, 

The blessed Lord from nothing spake ; and for 
a worm like me 

He left his shining home above, and died upon, 
a tree. 



Whenever under bowers of myrtle 
Love, summer-tressed and vernal eyed, 

At morn or eve is seen to wander, 
A dark-eyed girl is at his side. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 41 

ACEOSTIC. 

With firmness and with holy fear, 
In the work of Christ engage, 
Let nothing ever thee deter. 
Loud although the tempest rage 
In deep retirement God is nigh, 
And in the gloom of night 
Man may on his grace rely, 

Benignity, truth and might ; 
Ever, then, adore his name, 
Let sinners scoff, the world defame, 
Let heaven be thy only aim. 

{Of Virginia.) 



ACROSTIC. 



Go on, go on, from strength to strength. 
Enterprising and at length 
One more railroad will be done, 
Eeady for the cars to run. 
Go on, go on, improvements make, 
It is time for States to wake. 
And from thee some lessons take. 
3 



42 




ACKOSTIC. 

Accomplished one, most kind and free, 
ISTo one on land, no one on sea 
Need ever hope to vie with thee. 

How it thrills my heart to write 
On one so lovely and so bright ; 
With a form so good and fine, 
And virtues which doth sweetly shine 
Resplendent as a heavenly ray 
Descending from the orb of day. 

(Of Conway County^ Arkansas^ 



No eye beholds the virgin gliding 

Unsandalled through the thicket's glooms 

Yet some have marked her shadow moving 
Like twilight o'er the whiter blooms,. . 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 43 

ACROSTIC. 
{Corrvposed 1864.) 
Shed tears o'er his grave, aiid tune all your lyres, 
To sing in his praise who fought for our sires, 
Our wives and our children, and all that is dear, 
Noble and honored our proud standard to rear, 
E'er to wave, as we trust, our people to cheer. 
"We ne'er can do justice to his name as we ought, 
Altho' for our country many battles he fought ; 
Language would fail us to speak of each one. 
Laureled with victories, they shine like the sun. 

Just think how he fought, with a noble intent, 
And came off victorious wherever he went. 
Causing thousands to speak in the praise of his 

name. 
Knowing his true valor, we dwell on his fame, 
So full of glory, elevating and bright. 
On the day that he fell and sank from our sight, 
No music had power to give us delight. 



A golden bow the Brother carries, 
A silver flute the Sister bears ; 

And ever at the fatal moment 
The notes and arrows fly in pairs. 



u 



ACROSTIC. 
With tears of contrition lament thy condition 
If thou hopest to 'scape an endless perdition, 
Long reservedj sir, for thee, with all others 

that be 
Low-minded, and trying to enslave Tennessee. 
Impressed with thy fate, to the Governor we 

state, 
Arch-fiend of creation, all thy actions we hate. 
Moving downward each hour, and though 

clothed with power, 
God on thy head yet his vengeance will shower. 

Besmeared with disgrace, a curse to thy race, 
Reprobate, renegade, go hide now thy face. 
Our people are dying, 'mid scenes the most 

trying. 
While others, oppressed, from tyrants are flying. 
2Tow, leaving this day, for thy demise we pray. 
Lean, hungry scapegrace, what makes thee to 

stray 
On thy head be the blame, so covered with 

shame. 
We know not one act of thy goodness to name. 



He has no shame, nor sense of right ; 

Ravenous wolf, of low degree; 
Our former slaves, though black as night, 

No doubt would blush his heart to see. 

If he was from his seat now hurl'd. 

Cheers would be heard from thousands round, 

Louder than thunderbolts unfurled-^ 
Even shaking the very ground. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 45 

ACROSTIC. 

Think not, ye knaves, that you can scare us, 
High honors bright we will pursue ; 
Even our fathers standing near us, 

Bid each of us bur duty do. 
Like soldiers to our homes we cling, 
And firmly on our worth repose. 
Cheered by each friend ; so while we sing, 
Keep far away, ye ITorthern foes ! 

, Rufiians ! ye vainly try to bind us ! 
Ever let the South alone ; 
Provoke us not, for here you find us 
Upon the soil which we own. 
Because of you the people blunder ; 
Lament your crimes and give them up ; 
If you continue our land to plunder. 
Can you from us our pardon hope ? 
Arabs and Turks would blush to view 
Naughty, thieving mortals, who 
Steal from men and ladies, too. 



ACROSTIC. 

Dreadful monster, ruthless |oe, 
Ever traveling to and fro, 
And causing tears of grief to flow. 
The good, the loved, and those that be, 
Hale and strong, must yield to thee. 



46 



ROBERT BLACKWELL'S 




ACROSTIC. 

Both lovely and healthy, enchanting and 

wealthy, 
Alive with sweet ladies, for beauty renowned, 
Look at her each dwelling, and towers excelling. 
Tall monuments too, and fine churches around. 
In splendor all shining, our manners refining, 
Most charming, the grandest of cities on earth ; 
Observe her good Preachers, her Schools and 

her Teachers, 
Eight men in their places, adorned with bright 

graces. 
Excelling in wisdom, in learning and worth. 



ORIGINAL AOROSTICS. 47 

ACROSTIC. 

Polluted carpet bagger, from Kansas, South he 

came. 
On murder bent and thieving, and glorying in 

his shame. 
With nothing to commend him but crimes all 

black as night. 
Excelling thieves in stealing, he rose to wealth 

and might. 
Look at this hateful trickster and brutish 

tyrant knave. 
Led on by evil passions, and sunk beneath a 

slave. 

Contending for our ruin, 'tis known to every 

one. 
Less loved by far than others, he went to 

Washington ; 
And when this Arch-fiend gets there, one 

mighty throng is seen 
Yelling all around him, and at him vent their 

spleen. 
'Tis wondrous to behold him, among a chosen 

band, 
Out-witted by the virtuous with foes on every 

hand — 
Now phrenzied with vile passions, he fain 

would sink our land. 



48 KOBEET BLACKWELL^S 

ACROSTIC. 

Proclaim the lament of a life misspent, 

One fatal remembrance to earth he was sent ; 

"Wolf, monster and slink, the South could he 

sink, 
Even now would he do it before we could wink. 
Law-maker, unchaste, jahawker disgrace — 
Lewdster, all meanness we view in his face ; 

Convinced he demands, reproof, at our hands, 
Licentious, despised in the Senate he stands 
Accused by his betters, no lover of letters 
Yearns to embrace him, whose crimes like 

fetters 
They twine all around him, in the gutter they 

found him. 
On the highway crown him, and now they sur- 
round him 
Not for to raise him, but help for to down him. 



ACROSTIC. 



Leading us right, possessing might, 
Our hearts and wills controlling ; 
Viewless, but still its seems to fill 
Earth with its darts consoling. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS, 49 

ACROSTIC. 

Thieves and base Yankees our ruin designing, 
Have trodden us down and left us repining ; 
O, who would have thought, when we march'd 

to the field, 
Men brave as our leaders to vandals would 

yield ? 
A people who spoke of never retreating. 
Should have fought while hearts in their 

bosoms were beating. 

We look all around us, and what do we see ? 

Slaves by the thousand, whom the Yankees 
set free 

That they may enslave us, the pride of crea- 
tion ; 

Envying the South as a people and nation. 

Each bent on our ruin, both the young and the 
old; 

Light-fingered, base monsters, their meanness 
behold — 

Even entering our grave-yards searching for 
gold ! 



60 



KOBEET BLACKWELL'S 




ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 51 

ACKOSTIC. 

Commissioned by the king of Spain, 

He did a fleet of ships prepare ; 

Rejoicing, westward he set sail 

In search of land he knew not where. 

Some asserted he would find 

The ocean deep, a boundless main ; 

Others by sailing west it would 

Prevent his coming back again. 

Hopeful still he kept his course. 

Ere long our glorious land he sees, 

Rich, and covered o'er with trees. 

Confirmed in what he tliought was true, 
Our lovely land he bids farewell ; 
Leaving this with joy he went 
Unto his own the news to tell. 
Men soon flocked here from every clime. 
Both young and old the rich and poor. 
Until we see this happy land 
Scattered now with cities o'er. 



Christoplier Columbus was a native of Genoa, and died 
at Valladolid, in the year 1506, being about seventy years 
old. But this great man was unjustly deprived of the 
honor of giving his name to this continent by Americus 
Vespucius, a native of Florence, who claimed the honor 
of being the first discoverer of the main land. 



52 

ACKOSTIC. 

She's growing larger every hour — 
A place of prayer, a place of mirth — 
Increasing in wealth as well as power ; 
'Now viewing her, ye sons of earth. 
Through all the land proclaim her w^orth. 

Look at her mansions, tall churches, too, 
Outshining all the cities round ; 
Uplifted high, her factories view, 
Imparting wealth and peace profound — 
Shall we refuse her praise to sound ? 



ACKOSTIC. 



Virginia ! Yirginia ! I love thee so well ! 

In youth o'er thy hills and thy streams did I 

roam ; 
Resplendent with cities, in thee could I dwell, 
Glad, glad would I leave thee, my fair sunny 

home. 
It was on thy soil that my parents first gazed, 
Near Banister river, not far from its mouth ; 
Industrious, their children to labor they raised. 
And, hoping to enrich us, they moved to the 

South. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 53 

ACROSTIC. 

Roll back dark clouds from us we pray, 
As we don't wish to fight ; 
Desiring peace, this is the day 
In which to show your might. 
Cause wars to rage, but let them be 
Among yourselves all pent. 
Licentious knaves, we hope to see 
Swift vengeance on you sent. 



ACROSTIC. 



"No State more free from debt than she ; 
O, could the proud her farms but see ! 
Rich farms of tar, rich farms of pitch — 
They would, methinks, pronounce her rich. 
Her bottom land is very good, 

Covered with the best of wood. 
And will produce, when cleared away. 
Rich crops of wheat, rich crops of hay, 
Oats, too, and corn, tobacco and rye 
Leap like tall trees, and seek the sky ; 
Inviting us to go and view 
ITot only men, but women true. 
At work in corn and cotton, too. 



54: EGBERT BLACKWELL's 

ACKOSTIC. 

Most solemn sight, to them delight, 
As their hands they willing join ; 
Koll on, ye years, be free from cares, 
Rich flowers round their pathway twine. 
It has been said that those who wed 
Are the ones most free from strife ; 
Glad tidings to the high and low. 
Each man should get a lovely wife. 



DEAR MISS. 
Thou art by far more dear to me 
Than all the gold and gems that be, 
Whether on land or on the sea 
There's none that can compare with thee. 

Thou art my own true heart's delight, 
Of thee I think both day and night. 
And this I deem but just and right 
Since I can live but in thy light. 



ACROSTIC. 
From what I see, some seek for thee. 
As something worthy greeting ; 
Missing their aim, they thee proclaim 
Elusive, worthless, fleeting. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 55 




ACKOSTIC. 
Read her life, ye rich and poor, 
Unbounded praises to her give ; 
Though she died in days of yore, 
Her virtuous name will ever live. 
{The Moabitess.) 



ACROSTIC. 

Majestic and rich her name we adore, 
A comfort to all, to the rich and the poor ; 
Revealing true worth to the men of each State, 
Yet half of her charms we cannot relate ; 
Look at her cities and mansions around. 
Alive with sweet ladies, for beauty renowned : 
Neat and most lovely, behold them we pray. 
Directing their course to the mansions of day. 



56 llOBEKT BLACKWELl's 

ACEOSTIC. 

Jnst view the place where Jesus first 

Embraced the sons of earth ; 

Eonnd it he walked, and preached to men 

Undying words of worth, 

Salvation free to rich and poor, 

And peace he came to bring ; 

Look now at it and Christ adore. 

Ere long in it the Lord will reign 

More glorious than before. 



ACEOSTIC. 

A business place, healthy and neat, 

The point where four great railroads meet ; 

Laureled with cars, a good supply — 

All the time those cars are rolling, 

Never tiring, how consoling, 

They bring us things for which we sign, 

And things we need, as none deny. 



GKIEF. 

Like the lily. 
That once was mistress of the field, and flour- 
ished, 
I'll hang my head, and perish. — Shaksjpeare. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 57 

ACROSTIC. 

His race is run, his work is done, 

Our statesman and our friend ; 

'No more will we his features see. 

Or to his speech attend. 

Rich and the poor his loss deplore, 

And we that loved him well 

Bewail the day he passed away, 

Leaving us in tears to dwell. 

Earth's fleeting breath was lost in death, 

Descending to the tomb, 

Around his grave bright laurels wave, 

Ne'er may they cease to bloom, 

In circles high death's arrows fly. 

Each one bringeth sorrow ; 

Life's fleeting ray did pass away, 

When death he hurled his arrow 

Equaled by few we ever knew. 

Brilliant the road he trod. 

Serene in death, gave back his breath 

To Christ, his mighty God. 

Earth felt the blow when he sunk low; 

Refulgent still his virtues glow. 

( Written on his death,) 



58 



ROBERT BLACKWELL'S 




ACKOSTIC. 



Just and lioly Lamb of God 
Ever may I trust thy blood, 
So long as life remains to me 
Uphold me, now, to thy cross I bow, 
Save me by thy mercy free. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



69 




ACKOSTIG. 
{Comjgosed in 1858.) 

My darling, I fain would cross the deep sea, 
And quickly return with riches to thee ; 
Eubies and diamonds and pearls from the main, 
Yet being so poor all my wishes are vain. 

Thine eyes are stars which gladden the heart. 

Bidding all gloom and sorrows depart ; 
Laughing and blushing, thy smiles they are 

balm 
And hover around my passions to calm ; 
Consuming their dross, and making me be 
Kindly disposed, especially to thee, 
With whom I do hope to spend a long life, 
^xultingly, too, caressing my wife. 
Laughing at want, defying all pain, 
Living in hopes of living again. 



60 

ACEOSTIC. 

{Composed on her death, May 23, 1859.) 

'Mid pains and convulsions, thy soul passed 
away 

And rose, as I trust, to the realms of bright day ; 

Eeviving the thought, though thy death I re- 
cord, 

Yet thou art now happy and praising the Lord. 

To win me to Jesus thou seemed to be sent, 

But strange to relate, I refused to repent, 
Loving those pleasures which last but a day ; 
All thy fond pleadings I threw them aw^ay, 
Crushing thy hopes and, giving thee pain, 
Knowing that all thy efforts were vain ; 
While kindness and love yet beamed in thine 

eyes. 
Earth was exchanged for a home in the skies. 
Leaving me here, without friends, without 

home, 
Loaded w4th sorrows, 'mid strangers to roam. 



ACROSTIC. 

Jesus Christ, the truth, the w^ay. 
On him trust from day to day ; 
Harmless, blameless, strive to be, 
Nor fear to own he died for thee. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 61 

ACEOSTIC. 

Mouldering though thy body be, 
Yet in my dreams thy form I see. 

My tears in torrents daily fall 
O'er thee ; I would, but can't recall. 
Thou art gone to Christ thy God, 
He who bought thee with his blood, 
Enabled thee to run thy race. 
Raised thee now to see his face ; 

Exalted thee to hear his voice. 
Lifted thee — with saints rejoice 
In holy songs of perfect love — 
Zion and her walls above. 
And all the beauties of the skies 
Before thee now in grandeur lies. 
Expansive view of love divine, 
Thine to view, forever thine. 
Happiness without one sigh, 

Precious fruits forever nigh. 

Beheld by thee, by thee enjoyed. 
Lasting ne'er to be destroyed ; 
All thy cares and troubles o'er, 
Christ thy praise for evermore. 
King and Priest, be hini my stay. 
While here I dwell in flesh and clay 
Ever knowing death is nigh. 
Let me but live, let me but die 
Like thee, and meet thee in the sky. 
{Died in 1858.) 



62 

ACKOSTIC. 

{Composed 1860.) 

Judicious and wise wherever he went, 
On doing his duty he seemed to be bent ; 
He labored and struggled yet never repined, 
!N'or thought of the joys for the faithful designed. 

Concerning his greatness our people can tell, 

Commenting on one who loved us so well, 
And desired to see us grow mighty and strong. 
Like the hills and firm mountains, defying all 

wrong. 
His singleness of heart, the loss of our choice, 
Our tongues can best tell, since we hear not 

his voice. 
Urging us all like soldiers to stand, 
E"erved for the dangers which threaten our land. 



Yet think not that in bowers and brooks 
. Its best and dearest charm is found. 
Oh ! 'tis the home of one whose looks 

Shed light and hope and spring around ; 
And where it changed to trackless sand. 

Love's magic wand the scene would hail. 
And flowers and fruits of fairy land 

Would flourish in that desert vale ! 



OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



63 




ACROSTIC. 

All admire tliy beauty, thy streets are so wide, 
Undefiled by drunkards, few passing this way ; 
Green wave thy tall trees, of rich Georgia the 

pride, 
Undergoing a change, for the better, each day, 
Spreading and lengthening; here thousands 

have rolled 
To greet their true friends and companions of 

old. 
And made by industry, ten thousands of gold. 



64 



ACROSTIC. 
Prized for thy worth, 
Haste on thy way, * 
Influenced by 
Love's cheering ray. 
Cast all thy care 
Here on the Lord, 
Expecting he 
Will thee reward. 

ACROSTIC. 

Giving lessons, 
Each bright and new, 
Ne'er swerving from, 
Each good pursue. 
RenoAvned for sense 
And learning, too ; 
Lawyer, statesman. 

Just, w^ise, and true. 
A hero, brave. 
Men love to view ; 
Each man around 
Speaks well of you. 

Yet life is short. 
Earth's glories few. 
Live not for fame 
Like others do. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 65 




ACROSTIC. 

Clatter, clatter, here they come, 
A wondrous source of power. 
Running at a rapid rate, 
Some thirty miles per hour. 



ACROSTIC. 

All cases of headache 'twill cure at a touch, 
Men and dear ladies can't praise it too much ; 
Because 'tis marvelous and cheering to read, 
Respecting its power to cure with such speed. 
Old sores, sore throats and dyspepsia it cures, 
Sprains, and all cuts, wherever it goes ; 
It cures the bronchitis, it cures the sore eyes, 
And it cures the diarrhea, as no one denies ; 
Languor of spirits 'twill remove in a day. 

One dose will do it — no cure no pay. 
It cures all bites, for which you should buy it ; 
Ladies and gents afflicted, now try it. 
5 



66 BOBEET BLACKWELl's 

ACKOSTIC. 

Enchanting men with smiles so free, 
Look now on one, to love a slave ; 
Let me but thy admirer be, 
Each day to speak in praise of thee — 
No greater boon than this I crave. 

For though renowned, I do not seek, 
Lady, to win that heart of thine ; 
Of worth alone I. wish to speak; 
Regarding thee with pure design, 
I view thee as too good and meek, 
^Notwithstanding sometimes I rhyme. 
Ever to take this hand of mine. 

But still for all, I thee admire. 

On thee would gaze both day and night. 

Unerring tune thy golden lyre. 

Repeat those songs which give delight. 

Lady, 1 feel a holy fire 

Always when dwelling in thy sight, 

Nor would I here more wealth desire. 

Did I possess a gem so bright. 



PRAISE. 

The love of praise, however concealed by art, 
Reigns, more or less, and glows in every heart ; 
The proud, to gain it, toils on toils endure. 
The modest shun it but to make it sure. — Young. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 67 



ACKOSTIC. 

Most lovely one, 

I know of none 

So learned as thee beneatli the sun ; 

Thine eyes are bright, 

Keflecting light. 

Enrapturing me with true delight; 

So do not scorn at me, forlorn. 

Since on thy name I love to write. 

Made for to cheer. 

And wipe each tear 

Rolling down from eyes most dear ; 

The humble poor 

Haste to thy door, 

And feed upon thy bounteous store. 

Pleased with worth. 

Relieving dearth. 

In the highest circles on the earth, 

Nymphs we see 

Conversing free. 

Endeavoring hard to vie with thee. 

{Of Bxinflower County^ Miss.) 



ACEOSTIO. 

IS^eater by far than a fine gold ring, 
And once on a time, hearing her sing, 
Nightingales came, her presence to greet. 
Conscious that they her music could beat, 
Yet failing in this, did quickly retreat. 

Resolving no more in the land to be heard. 
Excelled at last, by a mortal endeared, 
Visions of glory all vanished away ; 
Each fearing to speak, did secretly say 
She sang more sweet than an angel to-day. 

{Of Carroll County^ Miss.) 



ACEOSTIC. 

Fairest one in thee we find 
A virtuous, pure, contented mind ; 
Not only learned, not only wise ; 
No man of sense can fail to prize 
Your captivating, lovely eyes. 

Shedding light on all that be. 
Making men to bow to thee ; 
In vain they bow, in vain they chat, 
They tell thee this, they tell thee that, 
Hear them not but marry me. 
{Of S;pringfield^ Mo.) 



ORIGINAL ACKOSTICS. 69 




ACKOSTIC. 

Equaled by none of any station, 
Made up of virtues shining bright ; 
Men of sense, of education. 
Acknowledge thee a shining light. 

Thou art the idol of the day, 
Honored by the young and old. 
One more rich, and one more gay, 
My eyes did never yet behold ; 
And yet to think that we must part, 
Sends pain and anguish to my heart. 
(Of Sunflower^ 



yiETUE. 



His hand the good man fastens on the skies. 
And bids earth roll, nor feels her idle whirl. 

Young. 



70 



KOBERT BLACKWELL S 




original acrostics. 71 

ACFlOSTIC. 

Go, read the history of the earth, 
Each book, and try to find 
One man so loved for sterling worth 
Respected, more refined — 
Greater and of a better birth, 
Endeared more to mankind. 

We read that ere to fight he went. 
All brave of heart to do and dare, 
Some one beheld our hero bent, 
His God to seek in humble prayer. 
In that behold his faith in God — 
Not in the prowess of his sword. 
Great chieftain, gift of heaven above. 
There never was a man 
On earth deserved more praise or love, 
'Not e'en since time began. 

First President of the United itates. Born in Vir^nia, Feb. 22, 
1732. President from 1789 to 1797— eighi years. Died Dec. 1, 1799r 



ACROSTIC. 

Blushing now with the tint of health, 

Sing on God's praises free ; 

Bless'd with that grace, more prized than wealth. 
Each sinful pleasure flee ; 
Looking above, and like myself, , 

Long with the Lord to be. 



72 



ACEOSTIC. 

Through thee the loveliest rivers glide, 
Enriching thee on every side. 
No truer hearts a State can boast, 
No fairer maidens love can toast. 
Each rill of thine is dear to me, 
Sweet land, most lovely Tennessee. 
So long as life this heart shall warm, 
E'er to thee my thoughts will turn. 
Emblem of the Eternal one.* 

♦Trinity in Unity,'lhree States by natural division yet one in fact. 



ACEOSTIC. 

{Composed in 1868.) 

Subjugated, insulted too. 

On every hand are we. 

Nor can we well our course pursue 

So long as Brownlow, he 

Opposes us in all we do, 

From East to West and does his best 

To crush poor Tennessee. 
Elated at the very thought — 
Nefarious, heartless knave ; 
Now view him on his level brought. 
Even sunk beneath a slave. 
Stealing from us, he thinks we ought 
Succumb to him, and crave. 
Even by negroes, to be taught. 
Ere we his anger brave. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 73 

ACKOSTIC. 

Notwithstanding the BourboDS had set a price 

upon his head, 
And though our hero knew it, of them he had 

no dread ; 
Perceiving everywhere, as on he did advance, 
Old veterans all desired to make him king of 

France ; 
Like thunder peals from heaven, the people 

shout around — 
" Emperor, live forever, and put the Bourbons 

down ! " 
On his cheeks they printed their kisses warm 

and true, 
National Guards and volunteers all to his suc- 
cor flew, 

Because they looked upon him as on their 

rightful king, 
Owning him as worthy^ — didof his victories sing; 
Not fearing but he was able to succor the dis- 
tressed, * 
And lift the yoke of bondage from brothers 

sore oppressed. 
Passing on and onward, our hero shortly stands 
Among the streets of Paris, with victory in his 

hands ; 
Revived were all the people, and throughout 

the livelong night. 
Ten thousand men were saying, and that with 

true delight, 
" Emperor, live forever, and put thy foes to 

flight ! " 

6 



74 



ACROSTIC. 

Go on thy way, 
Each day and night, 
Opposing wrong, 
Reflecting light, 
Glittering like 
Each planet bright. 

How few on earth 

Can vie with thee. 
Light from thine eye 
It flashes free, 
Not only so 
Thy preaching sir, 
Our inmost souls 
IsTe'er fails to stir. 



Surrounded by friends 

The 'Church he attends 

Each cloudy, as well as fair days. 

Sweet peace there finding. 

His features all shining — 

Now hear him, for sinners he prays ; 

Then rising at once 

His Bible he reads. 

Obeying what Jesus commands ; 

May the King of the sky 

Permit him to die 

Shouting and clapping his hands. 



ORIGINAL ACKOSTICS. 75 

ACKOSTIC. 

ISTever fearing mortal foe, 
Ever may it fastly grow, 
"While mighty waters by it flow. 

Oppose it not. We love to see 
Resplendent ladies, -kind and free, 
Looking on its charms with glee ; 
Each one on it due praise bestow, 
And we feel 'tis bound to grow. 
Never fearing foes to face. 
Soon distant towns it will embrace. 



ACEOSTIC. 

Surpassing in beauty, thy daughters are fair, 
Prudent and worthy of praises they are ; 
Resplendent, industrious, in truth we can trace 
In the eye of each lady, true worth and true 

grace, 
No groggeries, no drunkards in thee can be 

found. 
Gladness and joy thy limits surround ; 
From hour to hour, from morning to night. 
In thee can we hear true songs of delight, 
Enrapturing our hearts, endearing thy name ; 
Lead then us on to riches and fame. 
Denouncing all crimes till the exit of time. 
{Missouri.) 



76 



ROBERT BLACKWELL S 




ACEOSTIC. 

Never falter, never tire, 

Ever faithful liorse to me ; 

We are traveling, traveling fastly, 

Soon in sight of home to be. 



ACEOSTIC. 

'Tis vain to try to please snch folks. 
Holding their heads like towering oaks ; 
Each wrapped in self, can plainly see 

Some error in all men that be 
Except themselves, in whom they view 
Learning, wit, and grandeur too. 
Forgetting all but self alone, 
In search of w^ealth, to evil prone : 
Such living thus and dying so, 
How can they up to glory go ? 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



7T 




ACEOSTIC. 
So lovely and sweet, with virtues complete, 
And a mind unclouded and pure, 
Eegard what I write ; 
Although 'tis night. 
Had I wings I'd fly to thy door. 

Proud to tell, I love thee so well, 

My affections are flowing to thee. 
One word more, I pray — 
Observe what I say, 
Next week be looking for me. 

{Of Madison County^ Mississippi.) 



78 



ACROSTIC. 

{Composed on her losing her Mother and only 
Daughter.) 
Sweet sister, cease to fret and pine 
About departed friends of thine ; 
Remember now they brightly shine, 
And sing of their Redeemer's love. 
High in the realms of bliss above. 

All their tears have ceased to flow, 
No parting there, no death, no woe, 
Nor chilling winds in heaven blow. 

The Word of Life to them was sweet. 
It led them to the Saviour's feet ; 
They lived in peace and love with all, 
So long as on this earthly ball ; 
We little thought their end was nigh ; 
Of death they spake, and without a sigh 
Rejoiced that they were born to die ; 
They loved the Lord and loved the day 
He called them from the earth away. 
{Of Craioford County^ Arkansas.) 



ACROSTIC. 

Source of heat and source of light. 
Upholding by thy strength and might 
Numerous seas and planets bright. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 79 

ACKOSTIC. 

Moments fast are gliding by us; 
In procession on they hie, 
Speechless, yet proclaiming loudly 
That we are mortal, and must die ; 
Ere another day has fled, 
Kemember, sir, we may be dead. 
How short our life, at longest here ; 
Upon this subject let us think, 
Make efforts for to win the skies, 
Ere to endless pain we sink. 



ACKOSTIC. 

"While now 
In youth, 
Love God, 
Love truth ; 
In strength 
All glorious, 
March on 
Victorious. 
May the God 
Of the free, 
' Overruling, 
Nourish thee. 
{A hoy about nine years old.) 



80 



ACROSTIC. 

{Composed 1864.) 

Great is thy name of which we sing, 
Earth with thy many victories ring ; 
Nerved with courage, our land to save, 
Each danger thou dost gladly brave. 
Kenowned on many a battle field, 
A tower of strength onr foes must yield. 
Legions against thee, though they wield. 

Justly by thy friends revered. 
And by our foes how greatly feared ; 
May thou upon each battle plain, 
Escape, amid the thousand slain, 
Scathless the lead and iron rain. 

Long after death, yes, ages long, 
On history's page, in poet's song ; 
Nor dimmed by time's despoiling hand, 
Great deeds like thine in Southern land 
Shall live, and patriot's latest breath 
Tell how, amid the cries of death, 
Rang out thy voice in stern command, 
Encouraging all thy men to stand. 
Even at the cannon's blazins* mouth 
To save our native land, the South ! 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 81 

ACKOSTIO. 
Justice and truth he loved from his youth, 
And, as in years, he grew old. 
More wise he became, till he won a proud name. 
Ever to be bright ; while stars give us light. 
Shall the world of his wisdom be told. 

Kindest of men, there ne'er was a pen 

Pointed with gems could praise him too high ; 
O'er the statesman true now hundreds we view. 
Lamenting the hour when God, by his power, 
Kindled disease and caused him to die. 

Eleventh President of the United States. Born in North Caro- 
lina, November 2, 1795. President from 1845 to 1849— four years. 
Died June 15, 1849. Glory to his name and peace to his ashes. 



His fame it will last while ages go past. 
Kind husband, great statesman, though dead. 
Our people do boast of his valor and trust. 
On the marble which covers his head. 

{Inscribed to Mrs. James K. PolJc.) 



ACEOSTIC. 

We grieve that we thy scourges see, 
And supplicating, ask of thee, 
Eelentless monster, from us flee. 
{Composed in 1864.) 



82 



ACROSTIC. 



Denouncer of all wrong and defender of right, 
Occupying a place resplendently bright, 
Commanding our songs, our homage and our 

praise ; 
Though having strong vision, on thee when we 

gaze, 
Our eyes are dazzled, for we see so much light 
Keilected from thee that we scarcely can write. 

"We wish thee much pleasure through all com- 



And thy most charming bride, deserving our 
praise. 

Convinced of her merits, her graces and worth, 
Having wed her, the best of mortals on earth, 
Extol her, protect her, each day through the 

year, 
And others forsaking, her presence prefer ; 
'Twill give her true joy thy affection to tell, 
Her face wreathed with smiles, all confusion to 

quell. 
And drive away darkness, preventing all strife, 
Making thousands adore both thee and thy wife. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



83 




ACROSTIC. 

Juggling old men we hate to see, 
And such a man should never be 
Made for to rule the brave and free. 
Evil minded, most greedy, too. 
See how he spends the revenue. 

Base-hearted, mean, intriguing, sly. 
Unfit to live, unfit to die. 
Corrupted by a Northern band, 
Hating the South our native land — 
A curse to all, to child and sire — 
No one should such a fame desire. 
All the prayers of this whole nation 
Need now be made for his salvation. • 
(Composed justhefore he left the White House, 
1861.^ 



84 



ACROSTIC. 

Dear little State, to thee we confess 
Each beauty of thine we can not express ; 
Language would fail us to tell of thy charms, 
Adorned with fine houses, fine cities, fine farms ; 
"With ladies most lovely, as the learned will 

agree. 
And gentlemen from all vices quite free, 
Kich and refined in the arts of true worth, 
Extending thy fame to the ends of the earth. 



TAKE WAEOTNG. 

The judgment day is just ahead. 
And ere one hundred years be fled 
All those now living will be dead 
And sleeping in their narrow bed. 

Then let us all from slumber wake. 
And this resolve with firmness make 
We will at once our sins forsake. 
And the bright road to glory take. 



The lovely twain were both together, 

And in the same shell cradle laid. 
And in the bosom of one Mother 
, Together slept, and sleeping played. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 85 

ACROSTIC. 

It is by faith to Christ I cling, 
Saviour, Maker, of every thing ; 
As my Redeemer, Lord and King, 
Accept the homage which I bring ; 
Cleanse me from sin and go with me 

Where'er I roam, where'er I be, 

Comfort my heart and make me see 
A way to win more souls for Thee ; 
'No other help I crave but Thine, 
To do Thy will is my design ; 
Each time I preach, Spirit Divine, 
Rebellious hearts to good incline. 



ACROSTia 

Imparting light. 
Still preach and pray. 
And unto men. 
And women say : 
Consent to go 

With me above. 

Christ can your sins 
And guilt remove ; 
No longer then 
The Saviour grieve — 
Ere called to die 
Repent, believe. 



86 



ROBERT BLACKWELL S 




ACKOSTIC. 

Prized by the good and by the great, 
Enriched and called the Keystone. State; 
No State more true, no State more wi§e, 
No State more loved beneath the skies ; 
She firmly stands adorned with grace ; 
Ye men around behold her face ! 
Look at her houses white and new, 
Various towns and cities, too, 
Aliye with men now see, behold, 
Not only man but women bold ! 
Invoking God to save our land 
And make this Union firmlv stand. 



OEIGINAL ACROSTICS. 87 

ACKOSTIO. 

Eenowned for wealth and wisdom too, 
Our people love thy face to view, 
So refulgent thy virtues bright, 
Shed all around a flood of light, 

Kepelling gloom, and like a ray 

Which comes to lead the sad and gay 
In paths of right — so onward go, 
Ne'er acting wrong while here below, 
And pray the Lord to bless thee, too, 
ISTo one more kind, in thee we do, 
Superior worth, and grandeur view. 



ACROSTIC. 

Judicious and wise, wherever he goes. 
On those deserving, he favors bestows. 
He labors, and struggles, for the good of man- 
kind, 
ITor thinks of the joys for the faithful designed. 
See what he is doing, for the good of the land, 

Here building asylums which praises demand. 
Outshining all others in grandeur and worth. 
Proclaiming his goodness to the ends of the 

earth. 
Kind-hearted, most wealthy, high-minded and 

true. 
In all his actions perfection we view ; 
'Not seeking applause, he has erected a name, 
Surpassing in beauty the bubbles of fame. 



88 



ACROSTIC. 
He is a charming, lovely boy, 

Here giving us true earthly joy ; 

Curly headed, with clear blue eyes, 
Of boys the fairest 'neath the skies. 
Looking so sweet, we know of none 
Excelling him beneath the sun. 



ACROSTIC. 
Always faithful, acting right, 
Hating all wrong and spreading light. 

Here kind to us, your virtues bright 
Outshine the moon and stars at night. 
Rich men around, and poor ones, too. 
Now speak in highest terms of you ; 
Enriched, beloved, each day we do 
Read in your walk a christian true. 



ACROSTIC. 

Composed of vapors shining bright. 
Of wondrous size, yet harmless light, 
Men view thee as a burning ball. 
Expecting soon to see thee fall 
To this low world, and kill us all. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



89 




ACKOSTIC. 

Ke'er falter nor pine, though troubles arise, 
Extending like darkness surrounding the skies, 
With freedom to guide thee, till time it shall close, 

Hold fast to this [Tnion in spite of all foes ; 

And the Author of Freedom, the King of the skies» 

Most gracious and holy, he hears all thy cries, 

Protects and directs thee, unseen though he be. 

Supported by him are the States of the free. 

His arms are around thee, his power defends; 

Immanuel, King Jesus, the best of all friends 

Reclaim thee when swerving from truth and from right 

Ere shades of deep darkness engulf thee in night. 

7 



90 ROBERT BLACKWELL's 

ACEOSTIC. 
Firm noble sir, still perseveTre, 

Forgetting not, one earthly friend. 

Hoping for bliss, serve God, 'tis this, 
On which our hopes of heaven depend, 
Redeemed by love, sent from above, 
Now keep by faith, the Lord in sight, 
Expecting he will comfort thee. 
Right onward march to realms of light. 



ACROSTIC. 

Attracting us and others too, 

Still keep the Lord thy God in view ; 

A business man, with equals few, 
Bold to defend, thy course pursue. 
Earth with thy praise is ringing free, 
Living to live, while ages flee. 
Let no one be so kind as thee. 



Why spend our money buying brooms. 
To sweep the streets and dust our rooms, 
When ladies wear long trails behind, '- 
Which wipe up dirt of ev'ry kind ? 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 91 

ACROSTIC. 

Established on the Rock of Ages. 

Reconciled to Jesus pray. 

Having that peace which grief assuages, 
Onward march to endless day, 
Relying on the Word abiding, 
[N'ot erring like some men we see, 
Ever faithful in Christ confiding. 
Rejoice that Jesus died for thee. 



ACROSTIC. 



Jehovah, Christ, our Savior King, 
Of Him we talk, of Him we sing, 
High lifted up, remember He 
Now bids us all from sin to flee. 

We all are weak, but he is strong. 

Both young and old to him belong ; 
Look at the moon and sun so bright. 
And all the stars that shine by night ; 
Christ made them all, yet strange to tell, 
King Jesus died to save from hell 
We who had his laws all broken. 
Ere his name our lips had spoken. 
Long hugged our sins — to rebels He 
Life, peace, and pardon offers free, 



92 



ACROSTIC. 

Numerous mills and factories, too, 
Enrich her sons and daughters, true, 
With gold and silver, bright and new. 

Ye men, that buy fine goods of her, 
Offend her not, her name is dear, 
Reflecting light, be men profound. 
Keep step with her ye States around. 



ACROSTIC. 

Rightly acting, by doing which. 
Our friend became immensely rich ; 
So let us all his steps pursue. 
Stick to our trades, make money, too. 

"We love the man from vices free ; 
Inventor and surveyor, he 
Ne'er yet was known to swerve from right, 
Always keeping his conscience bright ; 
Near seventy-nine, still him we find 
Strong both in body and in mind. 



MORAL LESSON— REASON FOR SINGULARITY. 

A celebrated old general used to dress in a fantastic 
manner, by way of making himself better known. It is 
true, people would say — " Who is that old fool ? " but it 
is also true that the answer was, " That is the famous 
General — '■ , who took such or such a place. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



93 




ACEOSTIC. 

Make all tliy men in this Union confide, 
And resolve to sustain it, since thousands have 

died, 
Suffered with hunger, with hardships and pains, 
Sickness and tortures, to free us from chains ; 
And since those chains that bound us, once fast. 
Can never more gall, while Union shall last. 
Hold back the turbulent and make them to see. 
Union of States is the strength of the free ; 
So should thy sons in the future be found 
Endeavoring to scatter dissension around, 
Those traitors arrest, though fierce, and though 

bold. 
Their crimes to punish before we are sold 
Slaves to Europe, that tyrant of old. 



94 

ACEOSTIC. 

Religious man, both far and near, 
Of your fine hats we daily hear ; 
Because they are so cheap and good. 
Excelled by none, 'tis understood. 
Rich men around, and ladies, too, 
Their hats and bonnets buy from you. 

Go on, make friends, keep selling low. 

Living, let live, while here below. 
Upholding truth, on God depend. 
Most worthy man, good merchant friend, 
Pursuing right, prepared to die. 
Keep on your march towards the sky. 
In all your acts, in all jouv ways, 
I^ot one we know deserves more praise. 



ACROSTIC. 
Could I this day but call the mine, 

A light along my path would shine. 
Despising gloom that round me bide, 
And if thou wilt but be my bride. 
My greatest aim and chief employ 
Shall be to sooth thy heart, with joy. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS, 

ACROSTIC. 
Day and by niglit, 
O'er plains and hills, 
Continue to bring 
To ns your pills, 
One dose of which 
Kemoves the chills. 

Cheering the sick, 

With gladness, too, 

Eeloved man. 
Each good pursue ; 
Not one we know, 
So kind, and true. 
Our praises we 
Now heap on you. 



ACROSTIC. 

Newly settled. 

Enriched with fountains. 

Bounded by 

Kough hills and mountains, 

And some of them. 

So very high. 

Kiss every cloud 

As passing by. 



95 



96 



ROBERT BLACKWELL S 




ACEOSTIC. 

United in heart to thee firmly we cling, 

Not fearing the world, while thy praises we sing. 

Impressed with thy charms, thy grandeur, and 

might. 
Our pride and our glory, while to thee we hold 

tight, 
No nation can awe lis, or put us to flight. 



ACROSTIC. 

Cement with love each state and heart, 
Our Union never let it part. 
Let it though, forever stand 
Uninjured by a tyrant's hand. 
Make mountains tumble in the sea. 
Before we let this nation be, 
In its pride and glory hurl'd, 
As a wreck, upon the world. 



ORIGINAL ACEOSTICS. 97 

ACROSTIC. 

Men sing of thy graces, and drink to thy health, 
Renowned for thy beauty, thy wisdom and 

wealth. 
Scarce know we one mortal so good as thyself. 

Could we be permitted thy worth to proclaim, 
Our hills and our valleys would ring with thy 

name, 
Loud sounding, like thunder, extending thy 

fame, 

And waking from slumber all mortals around, 
Completely enchanting the learned and pro- 
found ; 
Knowing thy merits, thy praises would sound, 
Loving most justly such perfection to view. 
Interesting our hearts, with equals but few, 
Ne'er swerving, while living, thy pleasures 
pursue. 



ACROSTIC. 

Accumulate, and demonstrate. 
To all the world thy worth — 

Sagacious sir, while far and near. 
Thy fame is known, as can be shown, 
E'en to the ends of earth. 
We ne'er can find one man so kind, 
As thou art to the poor ; 
Respected by the great and high. 
Ten thousands thee adore. 
8 {Of New York.) 



98 KOBEKT BLACKWELL S 

ACKOSTIO. 

My niece most kind, for bliss designed, 
As one of sense, improve thy mind ; 
Kespecting, too, each mortal true, 
Yield not to sin, like others do. 

Eschewing wrong, be firm and strong, 

Craving knowledge, now march along; 
And gladly sing, to Christ I cling, 
Maker of earth and every thing. 
Proud would I be thy face to see, 
Because thou art so dear to me ; 
Each hour, each day, for thee I pray. 
Loving the right, with death in sight, 
Let us for realms of ^lory fight. 

{Of Crawford Co.^ Arkansas.) 



ACEOSTIC. 



Luminous, most useful, most lovely to scan, 
It falls directly or obliquely on man. 
Graceful in carriage, and pleasing to behold, 
High prized, yea, precious as gold. 
The thing w^e most need to cheer us when old. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 99 

ACKOSTIO. 

My song and praise shall be of one 
Among the greatest mortals, who, 
Kegarding us when struggling hard, 
Quickly to our succor flew. 
Undesigning in all he done, 
Intrepid, wise and generous man, 
Soon for himself bright laurels won. 

Disinterested here he came 
Equipped with armor shining bright, 

Leading forth his soldiers, who, 
At his expense, came here to fight. 
For us he fought, was wounded, too, 
And for our cause did suffer pain ; 
Yet, soon as he recovered strength, 
Enlisted in the war again. 
The sun and moon will first grow dim, 
The concave melt, the planets fall. 
E'er men will cease to reverence him. 

A Major General in the American army, is justly cele- 
brated for leaving an immense estate, the best of friends, 
and, above all, a beloved wife, to fight the battles of a 
strange people in a far-oflf country. This generous act 
will render his name immortal. He was born in France, 
September, 1757, and died at Lagrange, in 1830, and now 
lies buried in France, near Paris, sleeping between his 
heroic wife and beloved daughter. 



100 ROBERT BLAOKWELl's 




ACEOSTIC. 

From clouds, with but a string he brought 
Red lightning down, as quick as thought, 
And bottling it, a lesson taught ; 
Now known o'er earth, from sea to sea, 
Kings and their queens to him did bow. 
Look at his face before us now. 
Ingenious man, with noble brow, 
Ne'er will his name forgotten be. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 101 

ACROSTIC. 

Through all thy days give God thy praise, 
He made the sun on which we gaze, 
Of wondrous height ; 'twas by his might 
Millions of worlds sprang into sight. 
And as they turn with pure concern. 
Strive, youth, with me, their names to learn, 

Dick bids ns view yon sky so blue. 
In which are systems, not a few, 
Cloudless and free, methinks I see 
Kingdoms prepared for saints that be. 

But ere we clime to heights sublime 
Our souls must all be free from crime, 
Unsullied by sin's deepest dye. 
Redeemed and fitted for the sky. 
Love, then, to pray to Christ the way ; 
And since there is a judgement-day 
Ne'er let thy heart from truth depart, 
Desiring rest — for glory start. 

{A youth of a Roraantio and Conterrvplative 
Turn of Mind.) 



" Let no one say that there is need 
Of time for love to grow ; 
Ah no ! the love that kills indeed, 
Despatches at a blow." 



102 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 



ACROSTIC. 



Stauncli advocate of principle and riglit, 
Of hazard her sons did never once think, 
(Jpheld by justice, the first in the fight. 
The base procedure of treacherous Old Link, 
Her people could see before you can wink. 

Courageous they made them batteries of wood. 
And to their foes their banners unfurled. 
Resolving to conquer or pour out their blood, . 
Over the fort they cannon balls hurled. 
Leaving impressions wherever they struck. 
Igniting Old Sumpter, the flames rose high, 
Now glory to her sons, we admire their pluck, 
And all who do the Yankees defy. 

{Comjposed 1862.) 



ACROSTIC. 



Boundless source of information — 
Information for the blind, 
Bringing words of consolation, 
Life and peace to soothe the mind 
Exposed to grief of every kind. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 103 

ACKOSTIO. 

Make truth thy study day and night, 
Impressed with subjects shining bright ; 
Christ, the Lord, the source of light, 
Always cheering guide thee aright. 
Just think upon his love so free, 
All men he bids from sin to flee ; 
He took our place and died, that we. 

Both young and old might angels be. 
Love so great was never known. 
Around the earth his glories shone ; 
Coming from his Father's throne, 
King Jesus did our sins atone. 
We should not, then, forget to pray, 
Exposed to death, without delay. 
Let us now both in earnest say. 
Lord Jesus, take our sins away. 
{My dear Brother,) 



ACEOSTIC. 

Armed with all power and with love, 
Look down on me from heaven above ; 
My only hope, my only plea, 
Is that Jesus died for me. 
Gracious Father, Heavenly King, 
Hear me while thy praise I sing ; 
Though so sinful, though so vile, 
Yet in mercy on me smile. 

Give me grace from day to day 
On Thee to trust, and when I pray 
Disperse my gloomy doubts away. 



104 

ACEOSTIC. 

All honest men from sea to sea, 

Now view thy course with true delight, 

Depending on thy counsels we 

Regard thee, sir, as clothed with might ; 

Each praying God to give to thee 

Wisdom to guide our people right. 

Justly, oh, then thy power extend. 
Opposing wrong of ev'ry kind, 
Hold to the right, each State defend, 
North and the South together bind ; 
Secession rose but had an end. 
Overpowered, as was designed, 
No more an advocate to find. 

Seventeenth President of the United States. Bora in 
North Carohna, December 29th, 1808. Succeeded to 
the Presidency on the assassination of Abe Lincoln, 
AprU 14th, 1865. 



PRESIDENT JOHNSON. 

We love thy flowing words to hear. 
In accents soft, in accents clear. 
Like balm they fall upon the ear, 
Making us all to persevere. 

Then proudly, sir, thy course pursue, 
A learned man with much to do, 
All honors bright, with riches, too. 
Reward thee for thy conduct true. 




-^Eg '^'byGeo.EPerm.e 







ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 105 

ACROSTIC. 

Just, good and wise, with sparkling eyes, 
Our people all thy merits prize. 
Hating wrong, be firm and strong, 
Not erring like the giddy throng. 

Here hundreds round, thy praises sound, 

Judicious man, for glory bound ; 
All that is true in thee we view. 
Made up of worth and graces, too. 
Excelled by none, while 'neath the sun, 
Supporting right, all evil shun. 



ACROSTIC. 

Rousing the Wolf, Queen of the Sea, 
Old Ireland Sons he sought to free ; 
Beloved friend and martyr, he 
Encountered foes of high degree — 
Restrained at last. Great Britain she 
The best of men hung on a tree. 

Ere long, may Ireland stronger grow, 
Mow down, with strength, each deadly foe, 
Make streams of blood from tyrants flow. 
Each king behead, no mercy show 
To those who laid her son so low. 



106 

{Composed on seeing him start off for the war^ 
1862.) 

ACEOSTIC. 

Discussing subjects most important, and the 

road before him viewing, 
On his road to the battle-field to save our 

glorious South from ruin. 
Charming us all now looking at him, mounted 

on his horse so high. 
The Yankees they had better scatter, if they 

do not want to die 
On the gory field of battle, for should he meet 

the treacherous horde. 
Rushing upon them he will slay them with his 

keen and glittering sword. 

Just view him with such noble soldiers, onward 
to Virginia going, 

And a more brave and skillful leader never 
lived among the knowing. 

Armed with the newest and best repeaters, and 

the strongest arm we know, 
Possessing power and skill to use it, clear the 

way each Northern foe. 
Please go with him to the battle-field, see him 

when there mid smoke and fires, 
Laboring hard to perpetuate that freedom 

bought by sainted sires. 
Every man should laud his virtues, conscious 

he is acting right. 



OfRIGINAL ACROSTICS. 107 

"We should follow him with gladness, and praise 

him, too, when we see him fight ; 
His eyes they flash, his sword is drawn, and 

the Yankees are falling near him, 
Insiduous foes, though they be strong, they 

need not hope to scare him ; 
Though bullets fall thick on every hand he 

does not think of dying. 
Exulting, see his sword now wave, while the 

Yankees they are flying. 



ACROSTIC. 



Their course marked out they will pursue- 
Hail to a band of patriots true. 
Extending light, those worthies do 

Denounce all wrong and tyrants, too. 
Earth with their fame is ringing free — 
Make room for those of high degree ; 
On them we trust, with others we 
Can peace restore from sea to sea. 
Eads now with them are falling in, 
And own they have in error been ; 
Those that repent, forsaking sin, 
Shall crowns of endless glory win. 



108 



ROBERT BLACKWELL'S 




ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 109 

ACROSTIC. 

Honored for thy love of right, 
Onward soar to fame and might, 
Never from the truth diverging, 
Or spurious doctrines on us urging ; 
Respect the good, reprove the bad. 
And brace the weak, and cheer the sad, 
Be kind to all, do what we may 
Let nothing lead thy heart astray. 
Ever kind in thought and deed. 

Men by thy acts thy heart can read. 
Indebted for past favors we. 
Like loyal subjects, reverence thee ; 
Labor on and be content. 
And when elected President, 
Restore the good to office, and 
Disperse the bad at thy command. 

For many now in office be, 

In whom defects we plainly see. 

Living on the revenue. 

Like wolves they eat but nothing do. 

Mean men, they seek for wealth and fame, 

Our country's good is not their aim, 

Repulse them all from office, and 

Extend the riffht o'er all the land. 



110 



{Composed in 1864.) 

ACEOSTIC. 

Resolved are we to keep her free, 
In spite of all the fiends that be, 
Convinced no one beneath the sun 
Hath power to whip our General Lee. 
Mounting high, she seeks the sky, 
Old Lincoln's host she does defy ; 
No foe she dreads, for still she spaeads 
Defying men with wicked heads. 



ACROSTIC. 



Containing fields with rich attire. 
Our people should no more desire 
Northern goods nor books to read, 
For she can make the things we need \ 
Ere long upon her streams that be 
Daily flowing towards the sea 
Each Southern man will gladly view 
Resplendent mills, and factories, too. 
All running at a rapid speed, 
Cheering thousands, and will, indeed. 
Yield us all things we need. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. lH 

ACKOSTIC. 

Glittering fame 
Of pearly white, 
Vigorous and 
Etherial bright, 
Reflect his worth. 
'Now on him gaze 
Our people's choice 
Resolve to praise. 

Just view him now 
On glory bent, 
Striving to make 
Each one content. 
Protecting us 
His actions view. 

Bold to defend, 
Renown and true. 
Our statesman for 
Our interest goes. 
Knowing his worth 
Stand back ye foes. 

Our soldiers fought, and bravely, too, 
And thousands of wicked Yankees slew; 
But, after all, upon the field 
Overpowered, they had to yield. 



112 




ACKOSTIC. 

Mother of Christ, most favored one, 
All things were made by thy dear son, 
Rich and poor, bond and free, 
Young and old, sing of thee. 



" All praise to thy Redeeming Son 
Who joins us by his grace. 
And bids us, each to each, restored, 
Together seek his face." 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 113 

ACKOSTIO. 

Just such a man we love to view, 
Accomplished, noble, wise and true ; 
Made for to live while ages flee, 
Endeared, beloved, we own that we 
Still love to sing your praises free. 

Your printing house it is well known, 
O'er all this land from zone to zone ; 
Upholding truth, all sparkling bright, 
Ne'er doing wrong by day nor night. 
Go on your way, keep acting right. 



ACEOSTIC. 
Thou art a man most kind and true, 

Judicious, wise, and pious too. 

Made up of worth thy course pursue, 
And bid all men their duty do. 
God is thy friend and portion bright. 
Redeemed by blood, reflecting light. 
Upheld by Christ the source of might. 
Dispersing gloom, defending right ; 
Each hour, each day, to sinners say, 
Repent, believe without delay. 
9 



114 



ROBERT BLAOKWELL'S 




ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 115 

ACKOSTIC. 

When fighting for us, no toil seemed mean, 
In the glance of his eye his courage was seen ; 
Nations looked on him, with awe, and with 

fright, 
Fearing to come in the range of his sight. 
In all his actions his virtues did shine, 
Emboldened by right, he marched in a line, 
Leading to victories, to peace and content, 
Defeating our foes wherever he went. 

Suffice it to say, ne'er once did he yield, 
Confronting our foes, he courage revealed. 
O'er thousands he trod, who refusing to fly 
The dint of his sword, when the glance of 

his eye 
Told them that death and destruction was nigh. 



" The lives of great men all remind us. 
We can make our lives sublime, 
And departing, leave behind us 
Foot-prints on the sands of time." 



An old writer gives the following as the 
amount of sleep demanded : 
Nature requires five, custom gives seven, 
Laziness takes nine, and wickedness eleven. 



116 



ACKOSTIC. 

{My Yoiingest Brother,) 

John, dear brother, onward go, 
Overcoming every foe ; 
Heavy though thy burdens be, 
Never cease to pray for me. 

Look at what we have to do 

Before we can bright Canaan view ; 
Love for God we must possess. 
And pray the Lord our foes to bless 
Conscious we are born to die. 
Keep thine eyes uplifted high ; 
With confidence to Jesus pray 
Every hour throughout the day ; 
Loving him who died for thee. 
Let me repeat, now pray for me. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



117 





ACROSTIC. 

Turn this book and at us look, 
Heed our features, too, 
Expressive, fine, our faces shine, 

To please such folks as you ; 

With heads but four, we want no more, 

Our eyes give us no light ; 

Our ears are deaf, but yet no grief 
Disturbs us day or night ; 
Deprived of feet we can not walk 
In houses where we go ; 
The reason why we do not sigh, 
Is left for you to know. 
*Ever free from care are we. 
So turn this book, and at us look. 



118 

ACROSTIC. 

Zealous was he to keep iis all free, 

And to march us in triumph o'er the powers 

that be ; 
Counsellor and chief in the days of our grief, 
He flew to our aid, and gave us relief; 
As a true worthy son, our battles he won, 
Rushing on foes he made them all run, 
Yelling like hounds at the crack of a gun. 

The glance of his eye made the Mexicans fly? 
All dreading his sword and fearing to die ; 
Yet thousands withstood our General so good, 
Leaving his men to tread in the blood 
Of cowards and foes who slept in repose, 
Requiring some one their eyelids to close. 



ACROSTIC. 

Distinguished for thy skill, to save 

Our fellow-men when near the grave ; 

Cross mighty streams thy drugs to test, 

They being the purest and the best. 

Of vital strength, more prized than wealth. 

Restores the sick to perfect health. 

Just such a man we love to view, 

Learn'd in Greek and Latin, too. 

Continue on thy bright career. 
Our people cheering far and near, 
Loving thy friends, w^ien near the grave, 
Exert thy skill each one to save. 

{My Mother's Youngest Brother^ of Texas.) 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 119 

ACKOSTIC. 

{Composed on its refusing to Operate^ 
There are some who of thy future doubt ; 
Hast thou one word ? Now speak it out 
Ere thy name be lost to fame. 

Already certain men are saying, 
Thy vital chords they are decaying ; 
Lion of the sea, awake. 
And make tiiose babblers fear and quake ; 
IN'ow we beseech, if thou art able 
To prove thyself a talking cable, 
Interchange one word or so, 
Concerning of thy present woe ; 

Cleave each rock beneath the sea, 
And prove thyself indeed to be 
Beneficial to the free ; 
Like a king from slumber wake, 
Exulting, and thy sceptre take. 



I know a dear, a lovely spot, ** 

A scene of sunshine and of flowers, 
And gladly would I fix my lot. 

Amid its smiling lawns and bowers ; 
Their rippling waters softly play. 

Telling to blossomed banks their tale, 
And Music's notes and pleasure's lay 

Glide gayly through that joyous vale. 



120 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 

ACEOSTIC. 

Sweet smiles, more bright than rajs of light, 
Adorn those lovely cheeks of thine ; 
Looking so neat, with charms complete, 
Lady, now say, wilt thou be mine 1 
If thou art free, by marrying me, 
Each day I'll try to comfort thee, 

And make thy life quite free from strife, 

Justly acting towards my wife. 
Expecting her my heart to cheer. 
Never to scold, but call me dear. 
Now hear me through, believe me, too, 
I love thy smiling face to view. 
No mortal man here living can 
Give unto thee a heart so free. 
So full of love as mine for thee. 



If long I lingered to avow 

The latent flame my bosom proved 

Yet fairest^ dearest, deem not thou 
I feebly felt, or lightly loved ; 

I came not with the wealthier throng 

Who breathed their heartless vows to thee ; 

Yet, maiden ? I have loved thee long. 
And not the less, though hopelessly. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 121 

ACROSTIC. 

Mastering all languages, keep seeking a prize, 
All sparkling with glory, in the far distant 

skies. 
Mysteries expounding, and growing more wise, 
Ingenious, sweet maiden, with keen piercing 

eyes. 
Enrapturing us all, continue to rise, 

Keeping, by faith. King Jesus in sight, 

Seeking for knowledge and trusting in might. 
The Lord will defend thee, by acting upright. 
And guide thee from earth to the mansions of 

light. 
]S"ever looking too sad, nor appearing too gay, 
Conversing so sweetly, keep on thy bright way. 
Hungering and thirsting for wisdom each day. 
For all that is needful, continue to pray 
Immanuel thy Saviour from glory to send ; 
Ever needing his aid, on his bounty depend. 
Leave nothing undone, be Jesus thy friend, 
Director, defender, till life it shall end. 



" I came not with the wealthier throng 

Who breathed their heartless vows to thee 
Yet, maiden ! I have loved thee long. 
And not the less, though hopelessly." 
10 



122 



ACKOSTIC. 
Stand Tip for right, as heretofore, 

Defend us all, both rich and poor, 

So that thy fame, may spread and grow, 
'Till thou art known, from shore to shore. 
And loved by all, both high and low. 
E'ew thoughts presenting, spreading light. 
Counsellor, friend, with talents bright. 
Here pleading iaw, upholding right. 
Fantastic lawyers, put to flight. 
In our defence, make foes to flee, 
Exalted man of high degree, 
Loving thy name, we own that we 
Delight to sing thy praises free. 



ACKOSTIC. 

Handsome, kind sir. 
As heretofore. 
Reflecting worth. 
Right onward go. 
Yielding to none. 

Hale, young and strong. 
Imparting light, 
Now move along, 
Ever faithful 
Shunning all wrong. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 123 

(Miss Amanda Jane Horner, of Baltimore.) 

Though I have travelled far and wide, 

Have even crossed the briny tide. 

And mingled with the rich and gay ; 

And heard them sing, and heard them play 

Upon their instruments so sweet, 

And though they seemed quite hard to beat, 

Still, the truth, I own it free, 

I never in my life did see 

One who could sing so sweet as thee. 



MY COUNTRY. 
I boast I was in Georgia born. 
The land of cotton, wheat and corn, 
Where people all were happy once, 
Till old Abe Lincoln, knave and dunce. 
Raised up an army in the North, 
And sent his thieving vandals forth. 
At whose command they passed her through. 
Burning towns and cities, too ; 
Taking all that they could find 
That could be moved, of ev'ry kind ; 
And for such acts they think we should 
Admire them as being good. 
Most sage conclusion, I declare. 
The sight of them I can not bear ; 



124: 



Still, after all, themselves they force 
Within our sight, and think, of course, 
That we to them should homage pay 
For taking all our wealth away ; 
But let them learn, though they may scoff, 

Had I a mighty gun. 
And them within, I'd touch it off, 

And kill them ev'ry one. 



"I know an eye whose tender light 
Beams pure and exquisitely bright. 
One only look can love and bless, 
And more than many words express. 
Upon that look I love to dwell. 
And think of all it says so well : — 
For it can punish and forgive — 
Can make the wretched glad to live. 
Can weep, and smile, and blame, and praise, 
Can every noble feeling raise. 
And now it does my heart entrance. 
For well I understand each glance. 
But wherefore should this make me sigh ? 
Is it because I love that eye ? " 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 125 

[One nJfrhtat a party a loquacious inebriate, libertiue, Bmoker 
and chewcr, at»ked me to write some poetry on himself and a couple 
of snuff-dippers who were sitlinij by him. The following lines 1 
then composed and read within their hearing :] 

Some ladies do delight to joke, 

And can appreciate 
The worth of those who drink and smoke, 

While sober men they hate. 

They are, they think, of judges best — 

Of course it must be so ; 
They love the fop, and men detest 

Who can not make a show- 
Go to parties where oft they meet. 

And view them all the while ; 
The man who talks to them most sweet, 

Though ignorant, low and vile. 
He is the man to please them most ; 

While one from vices free, 
Who will not drink to them a toast, 

They from his presence flee. 

The time is not so distant when. 

If things go on this way. 
All truly good and virtuous men 

At home had better stay, 
Than to be scorned by ladies who. 

Professing vice to hate, 
Encourage drunkards not a few 

By listening to them prate. 



126 



And while some do of smoking boast, 
And love to dance and skip ; 

Of all the things we do hate the most 
To see one chew or dip. 

And still we do regret to say, 

Some nse tobacco free ; 
Perhaps one thousand pounds per day 

They dip in Tennessee. 

Oh ! what a waste of time and wealth, 

And what else does it do ? 
It always does impair the health, 

And kills the user, too. 

'Tis dipping brings consumption on — 
This truth none can deny — 

And pales the cheek, made to adorn 
The cities in the sky. 

A curse on those who grind the snuff. 

Or did it first invent ; 
It kills its thousands ; ain't this enough 

To wish it from us sent ? 

Had we the genius to harangue, 

"We would impress on all, 
That we should make a law to hang 

Snuff makers great and small. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 127 

IS'or would we pass rum sellers by ; 

For killing mortals we 
Would make a law to hang them high 

Upon the nearest tree, 

And leave them there for birds to pick — 

We mean the carrion crow — 
Still some we fear it would make sick 

To feed on things so low. 



The Yankees, they are humane men, 

They set the negroes free, 
Nor will not rob a dead one when 

1^0 clothes on him they see. 

Their feelings were so tender, they 

Could not on slavery look 
But with disgust ; to make it pay, 

The negroes part they took. 

So leaving jails and foetid rooms, 
Down South they quickly flew, 

All full with zeal they robb'd the tombs 
Of dead folks not a few. 

At first they came with sword in hand, 
And took all they could find. 

And now they come and praise demand 
For leaving things behind, 



128 



"Which when first here they could not move, 

Such as hills and mountains, 
Therefore, of course, it was but love 

Which made them leave our fountains, 

Rivers and plains, so kind were they : 

All being giants strong. 
They might have took each State away, 

Could they have acted wrong. 

But such low things they could not do ; 

Though once they had the power 
To kill us all, they spared a few 

To see this glorious hour. 

In which we see the negro race, 

With Rads to cheer and lead. 
Ruling the South in many a place ; 

And must we clothe and feed 

This hateful negro-loving clan, 

Who, ruling with a rod. 
Let darkies vote, but no white man 

Who hath a hope in God ? 

Aint it a sin and slander, too, 

Upon the Yankee race. 
To make but tools of negroes who 

Do them in office place ? 

Had I all power 'neath the sun 

That I could now desire, 
I'd take these robbers, every one. 

And roast them in a fire. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 129 

{Composed on seeing Mrs. Surratt Hung^ 1865.) 

In Washington city 

A woman to be hung, 
A melancholy ditty 

To be said or sung. 

A woman to be strangled, 
The Yankees standing by, 

They see her body mangled, 
But lift no voice on high. 

A brave and warlike nation 
Now vents its fiendish spite ; 

A worthy demonstration, 
A noble gallant sight. 

All ready for the banging, 

Bullets, steel and lead, 
Brave fellows at the hanging 

To see a woman dead. 

Revealing in slaughters 

The Yankees' deep disgrace. 

Crushing freedom's daughters — 
Oh, w^hat a manly race ! 



130 



Aghast and craven hearted, 
On the Yankees be the stain — 

Sons and daughters parted, 
Women rudely slain. 

Time was in history's pages 
When chivalry would fly, 

And when our sons and sages 
Strove for beauty's sigh. 

Are we backward streaming 

In the lapse of time, 
Idly gazing, dreaming 

Amid triumphant crime ! 

Sons of the South, now, forward ! 

Avenge this woman's death. 
Strike those Northern cowards, 

Stay not your parting breath. 

Think of Washington city, 

A woman to be hung, 
Not one to help or pity — 

The knell of freedom rung. 



"She rests her flute upon her bosom, 

(While up to heaven his bow he rears,) 
And as her kisses make it tremble. 
That flute is moistened by her tears." 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 

MISS HAEKIET T. 

Before we run each other down 

Let us ourselves apply, 
And study truth, and cease to frown 

On mortals born to die. 

The ant, you know, is very small, 

And yet it makes a hill, 
"Which may appear to it as tall 

As would to us a mill. 

The eagle, too, you will admit, 
Can soar from earth away, 

But does that make it right for it 
On smaller birds to prey ? 

And though I never went to school 
Like John your uncle's son. 

Should you for this call me a fool. 
And at me poke your fun ? 

If that be right, then go ahead 

You can not injure me ; 
"When people try on me to tread, 

I from their presence flee ; 

But ere I leave I say to you, 

Being a graduate ; 
And having sense to will and do, 

I must conclude and state 

It would be vain for silly men 

To cope, as with an elf. 
Or think of grasping wisdom when 

You have it all yourself. 



131 



132 



THE TALE. 
" Pity, kind lady, pity him, 

Whose sorrows brought him to your cot. 
Whose eyes with age and woe are dim. 

For sad, alas ! has been my lot. 

pity him whom others spurn, 

Whose head is gray with grief and years ; 
IsTor frown when yon my story learn. 
The history of a life of tears, 

1 was not always as you see, 

A wanderer in the world alone ; 
Born in the lap of luxury, 

Home, friends and fortune were my own. 

Ah, well do I remember yet 

The scenes of childhood's blissful years, 
The friends that at my father's met. 

Ere I had known of grief or tears. 

My parents died just as the morn 
Of manhood broke upon my brow ; 

But life had not become forlorn ; 
'Twas mine at beauty's feet to bow. 

I loved and was beloved, and soon 

I called her mine with more than joy : 

And wedded wealth soon claimed the boon, 
The brightest boon of heaven — a boy. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 133 

And ere two years of blissful life 

Had passed in still unchanging charms, 

A lovely girl my worshipped wife 
Presented to its father's arms. 

I then was happy, blessed with all 
That adds to purest pleasures here ; 

Wealth, friends and favors at my call, 
O, to my heart my home was dear. 

'Twas then the cloud of war arose. 
From England o'er Columbia's shore ; 

And brothers called their brothers foes, 
Amid the bloody battle's roar. 

My country called, and I too came. 

And drew my sword ; my purse was free; 

I fought not for the boon of fame. 
But for my country's liberty. 

But yet my name was high — my word 
For sums expended made amends ; 

My voice was in the council heard. 

And Greene and Fayette were my friends. 

O, who my anguish may relate. 

When to my home I went once more, 

And found it still and desolate, 
My loved ones weltering in their gore ! 



134 



The cruel Indian had been there ; 

My wife lay scalped upon the bed ; 
My daughter gone, I knew not where, 

My son beside his mother dead. 

That much-loved wife but lived to tell 
Who thus had robbed me of life's charms; 

Then on my bosom fainting fell, 
And died in my distracted arms. 

I went into the open air, 

That heaven might hear my helpless grief; 
There was none else for me would care, 

Or offer to my heart relief. 

'Twas dark — I looked, and lo, the roof! — 
A spark — the work of Indian ire ; 

O'er come with grief, I stood aloof. 
Till midnight glittered with the fire. 

When dawned in heaven the morning sun, 

I found myself alone in life ; 
I was indeed a wretch undone ; 

I had no children, home or wife. 

Thus doomed in early life to fall 

From all that hope had pictured bright ; 

My wealth, I gave my country all. 
And bared my bosom in her fight. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 135 

The phantom death I sought for years, 
But lived to see my country free ; 

Aye, in a dungeon and in tears, 
To taste the fruits of poverty. 

Ere yet the wounds of war had healed. 
For paltry debt — I blush to tell — 

I, who had bled on Freedom's field. 
Was dragged into a prison's cell. 

There, in that loathsome dungeon hurled, 

I pillowed my unhappy head ; 
Till turned into the wide, cold world. 

To starve, alas ! or beg my bread. 

Full many a mile my weary feet 

Have wandered through the forest gloom ; 
But soon they must their last bourn greet ; 

They soon must travel to the tomb. 

Pity, kind lady ; O regard 

A poor old man whose days are few ; 
Believe a wretch whose lot is hard. 

And God will bless and prosper you. 

He ceased, and, as his touching tale 
Had caused the lady to turn pale. 
He gently questioned her, why she 
Had felt so much of sympathy. 



136 



And why her tears so promptly fell, 

When he did of his children tell. 

*Alas !' replied the lady, ' mine 

Has been a fate allied to thine ; 

Thou know'st the heart that grief doth know. 

Will soonest feel for others' woe. 

I, too, was doomed to see my mother 

A victim, with a younger brother, 

To Indian fury ; — I was borne 

To Indian lands, too young to mourn, 

But can remember well the day 

They bore me from my home away. 

With them I lived from year to year. 

And shed full many a bitter tear. 

When they the story told. Till, late, 

One evening at the wigwam gate 

A trader lingered, as it proved. 

Lingered, because he dearly loved. 

But feared to tell the chief, for he 

Had long devoutly destined me 

For his own son, a savage youth. 

Whom I could ne'er have loved in truth. 

Soon as the Indians were at rest 

I with the trader fled, and blessed 

The hope, that I should once more see 

The father of my infancy. 

But ah ! when many a waste was passed, 

And I amid my friends at last, 



ORIGINAL ACKOSTICS. 137 

My father had departed — nay, 

I have not seen him to this day ; 

But fortune has been kind to me, 

And not one taste of misery 

Were mine, could I but see once more 

My father at my cottage door.' 

* Your name V the trembling wanderer sighed, 

And, as she spoke, with rapture cried, 

' My daughter !' then delighted pressed 

His lost child to his aged breast, 

And wept with joy, till from the field 

The husband came, and both revealed 

The bliss that neither could impart, 

The ecstasy that fills the heart. 

The old man found a happy home. 
Nor e'er did from that cottage roam. 
Blessed with a daughter's love, the day 
Of life declined, lit with the ray 
Of peace, and thus the old man passed 
The evening of his life at last. 
With not a si-igle cloud o'ercast. 

But calm, ft^d bright. 
He saw coi?4)Osed his setting sun 
Go down, and when the day was done, 
His country's and his own race run, 

Ketired to rest at night. 
Blessed by the remnant of that race 
He left behind his path to trace.'- 
11 



138 

MY MOTHEK'S YOICE. 

"Oh ! sweeter than upon the flute, 

The music that fair fingers make ; 
Sweeter than lays of lyre and kite, 

That die along the moonlit lake ; 
My mother's voice, that woke my ear 

In childhood, to affection's feeling ; 
When, at her knee, I learned to hear, 

The moral truths she was revealing. 

Oft in the scenes of solitude. 

Where Nature's quiet things rejoice ; 
In glen and grove, and lofty wood, 

I hear that holy, heavenly voice ; 
And when from yon high hall above. 

The stars, like angels' eyes, are peeping; 
Then comes that gentle voice of love 

Upon my ear, when I am sleeping. 

And when to weep I am inclined. 

And sorrow preys upon n ^ soul ; 
Oh ! when despair hath sieit I my mind, 

And I have drained the damned bowl ; 
That voice hath cried — 'Beware, my son, 

Yield not thy spirit up to sorrow ; 
Thou canst not, shall not be undone — 

'Twill be a fairer day to morrow.' 



ORIGINAL AOROSTICS. 139 

Oft when in pleasure's flowery arms, 

I sipped the sparkling wine-cup's wave ; 
Revelling in all her radiant charms, 

That soft persuasive voice to save. 
Stole on mine ear — ' Oh ! whilst thou art, 

In mirth's gay hall, thy revels keeping ; 
Thy mother, with a breaking heart. 

The errors of her son is weeping.' 

Dear mother — weep, Oh ! weep no more. 

Thy minstrel son all sin hath spurned ; 
His wild career at last is o'er. 

To virtue's path he hath returned ; 
No longer shalt thou sigh for me. 

And light shall be thy sorrow's measure ; 
No more thou'lt taste of misery. 

But much, my mother, much of pleasure. 

Three years, three long and lingering years, 

Have passed, my mother, since we met ; 
But time thy image more endears. 

As every sun doth rise and set : 
Oh ! CO aid I clasp thee to my heart. 

This moment to thy fond arms rushing ; 
Language could not my joy impart. 

Or feelings from my bosom gushing.". 



140 

TO MY MOTHER. 

"Oh ! thou, upon whose bosom first, 

My infant form reclined ; 
Ere reason in its brilliance burst 

Upon the midnight mind ; 
I long to look once more on thee, 

Oh! never more to part ; 
To kneel once more beside thy knee, 

And hug thee to my heart. 

My mother, many a weary mile, 

I've wandered since we met ; 
But fortune, fame, nor beauty's smile, 

Could bid me to forget ; 
Tho' courted and caressed I've been, 

In grandeur's gayest hall ; 
Tho' friends in fairest forms I've seen, 

I've loved thee more than all. 

Oh ! would thy prodigal could prove 

How much his heart is thine ; 
For well I know in lasting love. 

Thine own is ever mine ; 
Whate'er my fortune mar or make, 

In folly or in fame ; 
Tho' all the fickle world forsake, 

Thou wilt be still the same. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



141 



No more shalt tliou by grief undone, 

Weep o'er tliy erring child ; 
No more shall mourn thy minstrel son, 

From virtue's path exiled ; 
For thee I will all error spurn, 

And hope mth thee for heaven ; 
O'erjoyed to make the rich return. 

For all the grief I've given. 

Dear mother, some may call it weak, 

To bow before thy shrine ; 
And childish thus in song to speak 

Affection's vow divine ; 
And if 'tis womanish or wild. 

To love, or love impart ; 
Oh ! let me rather be a child, 

Than man without a heart." 



THE DAMNING BOWL. 

" The wine cup hath a witching power. 

And woos like woman's rosy lips ; 
But ah ! it wins but to devour 

The victim that its sweetness sips. 
Unlike the rosy lips of love, 

It will a pang of woe impart ; 
Oh ! yes, the wine cup can but prove 

A Upas poison to the heart ! 



142 ROBERT BLACKWELL's 

More fatal than the serpent's fang, 

That crawled o'er Eden's cradled bliss ; 
It poisons peace with many a pang, 

And kills you with a flatterer's kiss ; 
It blasts affection's fairest flowers, 

While vice o'er virtue holds a spell ; 
It drowns the soul's exalted powers, 

And makes the happiest heart a hell. 

Oh ! dash to earth the damning bowl, 

Ere reason flies her ruined throne ; 
Genius, beware ! ere thy proud soul 

Shall be eternally undone ; 
'Tis fatal to the child of fame. 

By all the noblest gifts refined ; 
It sinks him down to sin and shame, 

And murders the immortal mind. 

It nerves the dread assassin's steel, 

When to the midnight couch he creeps, 
And softly stoops, or deigns to kneel. 

To stab the slumberer while he sleeps ; 
It bids him with the mark of Cain, 

With demons only seek to dwell ; 
Yea ! bids him lift the steel again, 

And rush in ruin down to hell. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 143 

How many wrecks the tide of life 

Is bearing, with a blasted name ! 
Behold the broken hearted wife 

And mothers mourning o'er their shame ! 
Upon a gloomy tide of tears, 

Have gone the hopes they could not save ; 
Gone, too, the joys of younger years. 

All garnered in a drunkard's grave. 

Oh ! haste the hour when every voice 

To temperance shall the nation call, 
And millions of mankind rejoice 

To see the mighty demon fall ! 
When temperance's banner o'er the free, 

By virtue's hand shall be unfurled — 
Oh ! may she stand in liberty. 

And wave it o'er a sober world." 



The origin of the pansy or forget-me-not is 
thus told : — 

"Frolic virgins once these were. 
Ever loving, living here : — 
Being here their ends denied. 
Ran for sweethearts mad, and died. 
Love, in pity of their tears. 
And their loss in blooming years, 
For their restless here-spent hours, 
Gave them heart's ease turned to flowers.' 



144 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 




ACKOSTIC. 

Head's Grand Duchess, is the best Cologne 
Existing on earth, as can be shown ; 
And since its fame is widely known, 
Don't it appear but natural, we 
Should love to sing its praises free ? 

Go where 'tis sold, you w^ill behold 
Eadiant faces, both young and old. 
All seeking it more prized than gold, 
None doubting, for once, its wondrous worth 
Declare it the sweetest perfume on earth. 

Daisies may charm and cheer the sight, 
Unfolding buds, each spotless w^hite, 
Conveying sweets, which give delight. 
How w^orthless, yet, compared with, it, 
Earth's brightest gems, and diadems 
So prized by all, there's none yet known 
S© sweet and cheap as Read's Cologne. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 145 

ACROSTIC. 

Wit and goodness 

His worth proclaim, 

Read of his acts, 
Each free from blame, 
And virtues none 
Dare to defame. 



THE BROKEN HEART. 

It was a lovely spot, the arching trees 

With their thick foliage, and the cooling breeze 

That fanned my cheek, and on my parched 

lips spread 
Refreshment sweet and grateful ; and the bed 
Of grassy verdure, all seemed to invite 
The weary way-worn traveller to alight. 
'Twas lonely, too — and silent all around, 
Except in nature's harmony, the sound 
Of lulling waters, and the plaintive moan 
Of a poor mateless dove, so sad and lone. 
But made the place more melancholy still. 
But what is this upreared beside the hill, " 
O'er-hung by weeping willows, whose long 

boughs 
In drooping sadness, seem to sigh their vows 

12 



146 



Of sorrowing constancy ? It is a stone — 
A tombstone of white marble. Hark ! a groan, 
It is an old man weeping, bent with years ; 
His straggling locks are grey, and see ! his tears 
Now flowing thick and fast, bedew the leaves 
Of yon lone rose-bud. See ! his bosom heaves 
With a deep seated agony — and now 
His head upraised, upon his wrinkled brow 
Pours through the leaves a flood of golden light, 
His lips are moved in prayer, oh ! 'tis a sight 
For "angels to rejoice at." May I speak ? 
Oh, yes, he's calm now. " Father " I would 

seek 
The story of this lonely grave. 
He heaved a sigh, and then, one look he gave 
So full of heartfelt grief, with mournful air 
He pointed to the tomb, and QSLidyJSead there — 
Oh, sad it is that they who love must part. 
I read the words : 

" Mere lies a Broken Heart .^" 
Expression's self had painted them, and love 
Suggested that brief record. 

See it move ! 
That gentle rose-bud, ah ! it withering hangs. 
It droops, it dies, stung by a serpent's fangs, 
Which round its stalk had coiled ; the old man 

gazed. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 147 

Breathless with wonderment. He stood amazed, 
And then exclaimed : *, Just so my poor child 

died, 
A eerpent stung her^ sit here by my side, 
And I will tell thee all the doleful story." 
So on the grass beside the old man hoary, 
I took my seat and listened, he began 
To tell his tale of sorrow. Thus it ran : 
1 
It was a cold and stormy night 

Some fourteen years ago ; 
Yes, just fourteen years last New Year's eve, 
And such another snow, 
2 
We sat around the cheerful fire ; 

My wife and children three. 
Poor Imogine that lieth here. 
And one upon each knee. 
3 
This was my eldest, every charm 

Of mind, and form, and face. 
Kind nature prodigally gave, 
And blessed her with each grace. 
4 
She was but eighteen then, her brow 

Was like the lily, fair, 
And soft as silk, in ringlets fell 
Her glossy chestnut hair ; 



148 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 

5 

Her eyes were blue, a deep, deep blue, 

And oh ! so full of soul 
You could not choose but turn again, 

Like magnet to the pole. 

6 

The others were a boy and girl. 

But they alas, are gone ! 
I loved them well, I loved them well ; 

But I am left alone. 

7 
One more was there. I feared to name, 

He sat down by her side. 
That day he claimed my daughter's hand, 

I gave her for his bride. 

8 
For I believed him good and true 

As angels in the skies, 
Nor thought the fiend could lurk beneath 

So beautiful a guize ; 

9 
But, ah ! how oft we are deceived, 

When most we feel assured ; 
How often from the beaten path 

By false hopes are we lured. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 149 

10 

I was a wealthy mercliant then, 

My ships were on the sea, 
And every gale but wafted home 

Increasing stores for me. 

11 

How changeful are the things of Earth ! 

A few short days rolPd by. 
The partner of my bosom sought 

A home beyond the sky ; 

12 

And then my boy ! my darling boy 

Death siezed him for his prey. 
And bore him to his mother's arms 

In heaven, far away ! 

13 

And yet another, must go, too, 
Whose love my bosom shared — 

I cried to Heaven in agony 
That one might yet be spared. 

14 
Oh spare, oh spare, my Imogine, 

In agony I cried — 
But cruel, cruel, w^as her fate ; 

'Twere better, had she died. 



150 



15 



Too soon, alas ! my riches fled, 

And we without a home 
"Were left with unprotected head. 

O'er this wide world to roam. 

16 
And then I thought the loved betrothed 

Of my poor Imogine, 
Would shield her from the heartless world, 

And from its blasts would screen. 

17 

But no ! he left her to her fate, 

"We never saw him more ; 
The Vulture sought another mate, 

My daughter now was poor. 

18 

Her eye grew wild — her cheek grew wan, 
Her voice was strange and sad, 

She'd wisper childishly — and smile — 
Poor Imogine was mad. 

19 
I left the city where we lived. 

And in a simple cot, 
That stands just down the vale — I learned 

Submission to my lot. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 15 



20 



There would I watch my helpless girl, 
And twine her wreaths of flowers 

And twist the wild vines o'er her head 
In strange fantastic bowers. 

21 
But often would my heart grow sad, 

When, in her childish way, 
She'd wisper notes of other days, 

And say, " What makes him stay 1 " 

22 
Oh come, dear Willie, come again, 

And then would hum a tune, 
Of some old ditty he had taught. 

And say, " He's coming soon." 

23 
But now she's gone, and I am left 

Uncared for, but by God, 
And welcome be the day that lays 

My bones beneath the sod. 

* * -JS- ^ * 

Two years had passed away, and 'neath the tree 
Which his own hand had planted, side by side 
With his fair Imogine, the old man slept ; 
The same sweet sounds of rippling waterfall. 
And sighing woods then, mournful music made. 



162 

A gentle requiem ! and sweet wild-thyme, 
And running myrtle grew upon the grass, 
As fragrant offerings to their memory. 

***** 
A feeble light gleams through the window on 

a bed; 
Pale and emaciate, lay a dying man, 
He seems, at times, to sleep, but then his form 
Is shook by dread convulsions, and his face 
Seems shuddering at some horror of the brain : 
Oh, undivulged crimes 1 why come ye thus 
In phantom forms to drive away his rest ? 
Oh dread remorse, how horrible art thou ? 
Methinks that madness were a luxury 
To such a mind as his ! But list, he speaks : 
"Back Devils to your homes ! Oh Imogine, 
Look not thus sweet upon me ! Blast me not, 
With such divine forgiveness ! Eose of life, 
I plucked thee from the stem, and cast thy 

leaves. 
Reckless, to wither on the cold dark ground, 
But ever since the thorn has pierced my heart." 
Oh dreadful ! Such a shriek ! He wakes at last 1 
He wakes — to think — and die ! 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 153 

ACKOSTIC. 

Endeared to mortals, not a few, 
Displaying worth, thy course pursue, 
We own, thy face we love to view ; 
Always faithful, most kind and true, 
Retailing shoes and boots, which do 
Delight both men and ladies too. 

Proofs of thy sense we daily see. 
Each knowing, speak in praise of thee, 
Loving the good, we own that we 
Still love to sing thy praises free. 



ELLEN. 

She is the flower 

Of nature's bower. 
Of life, and light, and love ; 

She seems as fair 

As angels are. 
Who sport in fields above. 

Her soft blue eyes 
In radiance rise, — 

With pensive pleasure roll ; 
Like love's first dreams. 
Their brightness beams 

A sunshine on the soul. 



154 



Like rose-bud hues 

That drink the dews, 
And sip the silver shower, 

Is the red rose 

Her lips disclose, 
Fairy beauty's richest dower. 

The rich red gush 

Of Ellen's blush 
No ripening peach may vie ; 

'Tis from the heart, — 

The blush of art 
Dame Nature doth defy. 

Like ringlets rolled 

In waves of gold 
Her tresses flow behind, 

O'er beds below. 

Of softest snow. 
They wave upon the wind. 

But ah ! her smile 

Is mixed with guile, 
No joy it doth impart ; 

More cruel far 

Than tyrants are, 
She triumphs o'er my heart. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 155 

ACROSTIC. 

While men around 
Make much of you, 

Justly acting, 

To them be true. 

Conversing free. 
On things divine ; 
On glory bent, 
Ne'er once repine ; 
Excelled by none. 
Your virtues shine. 



ACKOSTIC. 



Sublimest of all bards, immortal man of song ; 
His writings will be read, while ages move 

along*. 
And appreciated too, by men of sense and 

learning, 
Knowing there never lived on earth a man 

more keen discerning ; 
So full of thoughts the grandest kind, he knew 

just what to write, 
Potentates and kings to please, while men 

with talents far less bright 
Express their love for him and do his name 

adore. 
Although he has now been dead three hundred 

years and more, 
Eound all this world his works are seen, and 

read by rich and poor. 



156 



TO MISS M. E. G. 

Ah ! sweet to me, 

The memory 
Of those I late have known ; 

But now I sigh, 

"With tearful eye. 
To think I am alone. 

We never know 

Our joy and woe. 
Till from those bosoms torn ; 

Which once have burned, 

But now have turned. 
And left us but to mourn. 

'Tis sad to tell 

That word, farewell. 
And leave a loved one's view ; 

But for that grief 

There's no relief. 
When we're forsaken too. 

The tear will start, 

The heaving heart 
Our anguish then will tell ; 

And bid us know, 

How much of woe 
Is in that word, farewell ! 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 157 

I am alone, 

Yet I have known 
A happier hour than this ; 

But hope is fled, 

And pleasure's dead, 
And what is human bliss ? 

It is a light. 

That gilds our night. 
When hearts with rapture fill ; 

Then like love's ray, 

Will pass away, 
And leave them darker still, 

I am alone. 

Yet I have known 
The luxury of love ; 

And I have felt, 

As I have knelt. 
How false the heart will prove. 

Friendless alas ! 

My hours I pass. 
From every love one torn ; 

'No heart is mine, 

Alone I pine, 
And meditate and mourn. 



158 

ACKOSTIC. 

Encircled bj friends who give thee praise 
Men on thy face delight to gaze, 
More lovely than all other girls, 
Adorned with gems and precious pearls. 

Knowing thou art the fairest on earth, 
All love to hear thy songs of mirth. 
The sweetest notes yet ever heard 
Escape from lips of thine endeared. 

Though I have knelt at beauties feet. 
And heard them sweetest songs repeat. 
Yet I must own, and truly, too. 
Light-hearted Miss, with eyes so blue. 
Of all the beauties I know not one, 
Kefined as thee, beneath the sun. 



ACKOSTIC. 



Lady in thee all charms I see, 

Unsullied, and from errors free 

Clothed with each grace, when I view thy face 

I feel that I could freely die. 

Even to save thee from one sigh. 

Such charms as thine my thoughts refine, 
Captivating this heart of mine. 
Outshining earth, with all its worth. 
To be in tliy sight, I see more light. 
Than when I view the stai*s at night. 



OKIGINAL ACROSTICS. 169 

FANCY. 

Fair fancy dwells 

In sylvan cells, 
"Where mountain monarchs grow ; 

And wild winds rave 

O'er the dark blue wave, 
And the crystal cascades flow. 

And in those cells, 

On silver bells, 
She rings her revelry ; 

And oft with fire. 

On the Lydian lyre. 
She wakens her minstrelsy. 

In golden groves, 

With laughing loves, 
On silver slippers she 

In silence strays, 

At the rocks to gaze. 
And surge of the sounding sea. 

On her fair cheek, 

Love's lilies meek. 
And pink peach blossoms bloom ; 

There love's bright brush 

Gives the beauteous blush. 
And care finds a flowery tomb. 



160 



Her crowded crown 

Rolls curling down 
On her white breast below, 

Like grapes of gold, 

In a cluster rolled, 
On beds of the softest snow. 

When morning brakes 

O'er lucid lakes 
Along the surf she strays, 

And loves her shade 

In the deep displayed. 
As over she bends to gaze. 

In Echo's caves, 

Wher dashing waves 
From o'er the ragged rocks, 

She tears her hair 

In the lightning's glare, 
And the thunder's roaring mocks. 



"We are blushing roses, 

Bending with our fullness, 
'Midst our close-capped sister buds 
. Warming the green coolness." 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 16! 



ACKOSTIC. 



Resplendent one, 
Obscured by none, 
Still acting right 
All evil shun. 
How free from guile. 
Enchanting, too. 
Adorned with charms, 
Light-hearted, true, 
Each loving worth 
Your face should view. 



ACEOSTIC. 

Famed for sense 
And ways endearing, 
JS'ever scolding, 
Never erring. 
Impressed with right. 
Each good preferring 
Having thy thoughts 
On things above. 
Opposing wrong. 
Proclaiming love. 
Each day thy worth 
Resolve to prove. 
.13 



162 EGBERT BLACKWELl's 

LINES 

TO A GENTLEMAN WHO ASKED ME TO TAKE SOME BRANDY. 

Offer me not the blasting bowl, 
My tongue may not its horrors tell ; 

A curse is in its dark control, 
It is the harbinger of hell. 

The rosy apple Adam ate. 

Which first the subtile serpent gave ; 
Containing the sjyirit of man's fate, 

Which gives its millions to the grave. 

The gifted and the glorious fell, 

When they that spirit's power once own ; 
And reason, deaf to duty's call. 

Tumbles from her exalted throne. 

A serpent's charm is in the bowl. 
That may a moment's peace impart ; 

But 'tis damnation to the soul, 
A deadly dagger to the heart. 

Say not it gives to friendship birth, 

For if on that I may rely ; 
Oh ! let me have no friends on earth, 

Alone, unloved, oh ! let me die ! 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 163 

Art thou my generous friend ! Then swift 

Apply the vampire to my vein ; 
But never, never dare to lift 

The wine cup to my lips again. 

* 
Place on my heart the Egyptian asp, 

Bring hemlock to my dying lip ; 
And in death's dusky angePs grasp, 

Oh ! let me then the CJpas sip. 

But offer not the mad'ning bowl, 
That kills or curses all who taste ; 

Plunders the purse, and sinks the soul 
Into a wild and fearful waste. 

Young man, beware ! thou dost not know, 
In thy convivial moments free ; 

What anguish, and what wond'rous woe, 
The fu ture treasures up for thee ! 

I've seen a youth, of fortune, fame — 
Beloved and honored by the world ; 

By this one vice sent down to shame. 
And from his envied height soon hurled. 

I've seen proud Genius, noble heir 
Chained in a dark and dreary cell ; 

Howling the hoi . ;rs of despair, 
Amid the fancied ^ends of hell? 



164 



Ketrace thy steps ere manhood's noon, 
Taste, touch not the poisonous wave; 

Or thou wilt fall, and mingle soon. 
With mouldering millions in the grave. 



TO A GENTLEMAN 

WHO LATELY ASKED ME TO TAKE SOME BRANDT. 

Thou hast a generous heart I know, 

As all men have who drink ; 
But wouldst thou to a world of woe, 

My sinful spirit sink ? 

Ah ! wouldst thou to my loathing lip, 

Lift up th' accursed bowl ; 
And bid the bard again to sip 

Damnation to the soul ? 

Were I to touch the wine cup now, 

It would its flame impart ; 
Despair would burn upon my brow, 

And hell within my heart. 

Oh ! could'st thou hear my anguished sighs, 

Both when I wake and sleep ; 
Thou'dst turn away with tearful eyes. 

yes, turn away and weep. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 



165 



The hopes of other years now flown, 

Ambition blighted too ; 
All, all the latter woes I've known, 

Are now recalled by you. 

Far better to this hapless heart, 
A dagger's death were given ; 

Than rob me of that better part, 
A sober hope of heaven. 

Beware the wine cup, Oh ! my friend, 

Beware ill-fated love ! 
These evils down to hell would send 

An angel from above. 

"When you shall lift the goblet up, 
Oh ! pause — its horrors scan ! 

Then dash to earth the damning cup. 
And dare to be a man. 

Think of your mourning children's tears. 

And all the painful past ; 
Think of the wretchedness and fears. 

That must be thine at last. 

Think of the loss of fortune, fame, 
Of friends, and peace and pride ; 

Think of the dark and damning shame, 
The grave can never hide. 



1(J6 ROBERT BLACKWELl's 

In sackcloth and in ashes now, 
I mourn my follies o'er ; 

And with repentant tears I vow, 
I'll go and sin no more. 

Ye jolly friends, I found in need, 
And oft at midnight met ; 

If at the ha7' I do not plead. 
Don't think that I forget. 



ACROSTIC. 

Joined with fiends on murder bent. 
Our homes to fire, his base intent. 
He thought to set the negroes free ; 
Notorious traitor, where is he ? 

Blasted for eternity. 
Removed to where the wicked go ; 
Our Country's most deadly foe, 
"With all his crimes upon his head, 
Now sleeps, accursed, among the dead. 



Thou foolish man, 

Why didst thou try 

To set an ignorant people free ; 

Imbrued thy hands 

In virtue's blood, 

And suflejed death upon a tree. 



ORIGINAL ACROSTICS. 167 

HOPE. 
I watched a bubble broad and bright 

That on the streamlet played, 
And a gay world of life and light, 
In painted pictures met my sight, 

Around its disk arrayed. 

Green vales and vallies caught my view, 

And fertile fields of flowers ; 
The sky was paved with azure blue. 
And blooming blossoms dipt in dew, 

flung o'er the beauteous bowers. 

And fancy's fairest forms were there. 

Of blushing beauty bright ; 
They seem to wander free from care. 
Upon this little world of air, 

Nor feared, nor clouds, nor night. 

But ah ! the quick returning tide 

Swept o'er the watery world ; 
And all its gay and gilded bride. 
Sunk, as I hastily espied, 

The wave that o'er it curled. 

And thus does hope, man's fondest prayer, 

Beam on his beating breast ; 
It pictures scenes of pleasure fair. 
Then comes the wave of dark despair. 
And as' it sweeps his bosom bare, 

The bubble rolls to rest. 



168 



ACEOSTIC. 

Just as we should with noble aim, 
Among the great, we place thy name, 
Mentioning thy acts so free from blame, 
Each worthy praise, in prose and song 
Should live while ages move along. 

Dear sir, thou art a man of worth, 
One truly kind, of noble birth ; 
Yielding to none, while on this earth, 
Loving the Lord, march on above. 
Encircled in the arms of love. 



ACROSTIC. 

Still loving right, keep glory in sight, 

Justly acting, both day and night. 

Let no one be more kind than thee ; 
Enriched with grace, within thy face 
Eternal truth and worth we trace. 



How pleasant 'tis to be a poet. 
Especially if you don't know it ; 
To rhyme on sentimental themes, 
And analyze a lover's dreams. 




Perceiving his trade-mark, 
Let no mortal abuse it, 
For F. G. Maxwell 
Has a right for to use it ; 
Conspicuous 'tis mounted 
On his advertisements all, 
And praises demand 
From the great and the small. 

And since his collars 
Will all stand the test, 
Thej being the finest, 
The cheapest and best, 
Aint it but natural. 
Wherever they go. 
They please all men. 
Both the high and the low. 



i:^DEX. 



A. 

Page. 

Adams, John Quincy, President 24 

Arkansas 38 

Atlanta 56 

Augusta 63 

Abell, A. S 90 

Adams, C 94 

Acklin, Mrs. Col 97 

Almighty God 103 

Applewhite, Doctor J. A 106 

B. 
Blackwell, Kobert 3 

a a 4. 

Brandy 10 

Bragg, Laura Isabel 13 

Breckenridge, John C 15 

Bell, John 22 

Bell, William ". 41 

Brownlow, William G 44 

Baltimore 46 

Blackwell, Mary T 59 

" " " 60 

Blackwell, my Mother, Elizabeth P 61 



2 INDEX. 

Page. 

Bourlond, Ellen Florine 6Q 

Bell, B. S 71 

Bonaparte, Napoleon 73 

Buchanan, James 83 

Blackwell, John W 91 

Benson, Doctor C. W 95 

Bonrland, Thomas Dick 101 

Bible 102 

Blackwell, Micajah 103 

Brooks, Governor Joseph Ill 

Blackwell, John L 116 

Bowl, The Damning ...141 

Brown, John 166 

C. 

Canton, The Ladies of. 7 

Chalybeate Acid Spring, The Ladies at the. 19 

Childs, S. E 20 

Chase, The 23 

Clay, Honorable Henry 27 

Cole, Doctor Isaac N 32 

California , 34 

Crenshaw, Annie E 39 

Clayton, Powell 47 

Clayton, Powell 48 

Columbus, Christopher 51 

Carolina, North 53 



INDEX. 6 

Page. 

Calhoun, John C 62 

Chew, Phil 64 

Cars 65 

Clinton, George H 74 

Cheatham, Doctor W. A 82 

Canter, Isaac W 85 

Canter, Isaac W 85 

Cole, H. H 88 

Comet 88 

Col umbia 96 

Campbell, Mary E 98 

Carolina, South 102 

Confederacy 110 

Cole, Doctor J. L 118 

Cable, The Atlantic 119 

Composed on seeing Mrs. Snrratt hung 129 

Cooney, ^Ym. J, T 155 

D. 

Davis, Jefferson 11 

Douglas, S. A 26 

Dean, Elizabeth 33 

Dameron, Mary Serena 35 

Death 45 

Dear Miss 64 

Delaware 84 

Democrats, The 107 

Dovle, Jam.es 168 



4 INDEX. 

Page, 

. E. 

Eddie 30 

Earth 40 

Emmet, Robert 105 

Ellen 15a 

F. 

Freedom, Strike for 9 

Fable— The Fox and the Goat 22 

Finney, Rev. T. M 28 

Fox, Maggie C 31 

Fame 54 

Franklin 100 

Fillmore, Honorable Millard , 109 

Forget-Me-l!s"ot, The origin of. 143 

Fancy 159 

G. 

Georgia 41 

Grief 56 

H. 

Hope SI 

Howard, Ann 42 

Hume, Mister 79 

Hopkins, Johns 87 

Horner, A. H 88 

Hampshire, IS'ew 89 

Horner, F. *F 90 



INDEX. 5 

Page 

Horner, E. K 91 

Hines, Harry 122 

Horner, Miss Amanda Jane 123 

Healej, Rosa 161 

Hooper, Fanni e 161 

Hope 167 

I. 
Invocation 3 

I know an Eye whose tender Light 124 

J. 

Jackson, The Ladies of 8 

Jackson, General Andrew 25 

Jefferson, Thomas 30 

Jackson, Stonewall 43 

Jerusalem 56 

Jesus 58 

John 60 

Johnson, Andrew 104 

Johnson, President 104 

James, John H 105 

Jennings, Sallie A 120 

K. 
Knapp, Geerge 34 

L. 

Lee, General Robert E 5 

Love 48 

Louis, Saint 52 



6 INDEX. 

Page, 

Longstreet, General James 80 

Lumpkin, Robert G 94 

Light 98 

Lafayette, Marquis de 99 

Lines on an Inebriate, &g 125 

Lines to a Gentleman who asked me to take 

some Brandy 162 

Lee, S. J ^. 168 

M. 

Mary 7 

Moral Lesson. (Cicero.) 27 

Mist 32 

Marriage 54 

Maryland 55 

Moon, Sarah P 77 

Moon, William Y 79 

M assachusetts 93 

Mary 112 

Magruder,T. J 113 

My Country 123 

Miss Harriet T 131 

My Mother's Voice 138 

Maxwell, F G 169 

N. 

Nashville 28 

News 76 

Nebraska 95 



INDEX. 7 

Page. 

o. 

Oil, Ambrosial 65 

Orleans, New 75 

Oddities, The Two 117 

P. 

Praise 66 

Prince, Mistress Martha 67 

Polk, James K 81 

Pennsylvania 86 

Pels, Edward 153 

K. 

Kum 10 

Revelries, (Address to Rum, Brandy and 

Whiskey.) 16 

Republicans, The Black 44 

Radicals 53 

Ruth 55 

Reves, Nancy 68 

Richmond 110 

Read's Grand Duchess Cologne 144 

Read, W. H 145 

S. 

South, The 4 

South, Ladies of the 6 

S.,MaryT 12 

Stars 23 

Springfield, Mo. , The Ladies of. 29 

15 



8 INDEX. 

Page. 

Sympathy 35 

Steele, Thomas W 49 

Smith, Fanny 68 

Sprmglield, Missouri 75 

Selfish, The T6 

Sun 78 

Stewart, A. T 97 

Scott, Winfield 115 

Stanchfield, Mamie K 121 

Stanchfield, S. D 122 

Shakspear 155 

Scott, Lucie 158 

T. 

Thomas, Miss Mary Hannah 21 

Terry, Susan A 38 

Thomas, Emma 69 

Tennessee 72 

Tennessee, Sons of. 72 

Titsworth, Sarah Ann 78 

Take Warning , 84 

Taylor, Zachary 118 

The Yankees, They are Human Men 127 

Tale, The 132 

To My Mother 140 

The Broken Heart 145 

To Miss M. E. G 156 

Taylor, Emma Kate 158 



INDEX. \f 

Page, 

To a Gentleman who lately asked me to 
take some Brandy 164 

U. 
Union 96 

Y. 

Yan Buren, Martin 12 

Yirginia , 52 

Yirtue 69 

W. 

Whiskey 16 

Washington City 37 

Webster, Honorable Daniel 57 

Washington, George 71 

War 81 

Winans, Koss K 87 

Winans, Ross 92 

Y. 

Yell, General James 64 

York, New 92 

Young, James 113 



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